Green Bay Packers Give Back has awarded a $250,000 Impact Grant to Special Olympics Wisconsin, announcing the news with a surprise check presentation last Saturday, when the Packers Tailgate Tour group made a stop at the Special Olympics Spring Games in Oshkosh.
Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, fellow athletes and the community.
Packers players, alumni and President/CEO Mark Murphy cheered on the athletes and met with spectators at the event in Oshkosh before surprising Special Olympics Wisconsin staff members with the news of the grant.
"We were honored to visit the Spring Games and see the dedicated athletes competing to cap off our Tailgate Tour," said Murphy. "The incredible environment created by Special Olympics Wisconsin exemplifies the way sports can bring us together and provide opportunities for learning, growth and fulfillment. We're pleased to support them in their continued efforts to enhance access to sports."
The grant will be used by Special Olympics Wisconsin to enhance their sporting competitions with additional resources for participating athletes, replacing outdated equipment and reimagined training for coaches. This includes expanding services offered as part of their 'Healthy Athlete' screening program, new supplies and equipment for a wide range of activities and offering advanced certifications to volunteer coaches.
"Special Olympics of Wisconsin is a statewide organization, serving thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families on a daily basis," said Special Olympics Wisconsin President and CEO Chad Hershner. "Through this funding, we will now be able to elevate the services, education and athletic experiences we are providing. Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes, staff and Board of Directors are incredibly grateful for this transformational gift that will have an immediate impact on this movement."
A component of the Green Bay Packers Give Back program, the grants, combined with other Packers charity endeavors, contribute to a comprehensive Packers charity impact in excess of $11 million in the past year.
