At Totally Boise, we love spotlighting the organizations making a real difference in our community, and Special Olympics Idaho is one of those standouts. They’re all about empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, leadership, and health programs. Their mission? To offer year-round training and competitions in Olympic-style sports, giving athletes the chance to build fitness, experience joy, and form lasting friendships.
What Makes Special Olympics Idaho So Special?
Special Olympics Idaho is much more than just sports. It’s a community that celebrates inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all. Through their various programs, they help athletes of all ages grow skills and confidence that stretch way beyond the court or track. Here’s a closer look at the programs that make them stand out:
Year-Round Sports Training
Athletes get the chance to train and compete in over a dozen sports like track, basketball, swimming, soccer, and more. Whether it’s a local competition or the state games, Special Olympics Idaho gives athletes a platform to show what they’ve got and celebrate their achievements.
Unified Sports
This program brings people together in such a cool way—individuals with and without intellectual disabilities play on the same team. It’s a game-changer for building understanding and friendships, both on and off the field.
Health & Wellness Programs
With their Healthy Athletes initiative, athletes get free health screenings to keep them in top shape. Screenings cover everything from dental and vision to physical therapy, ensuring every athlete has the care they need to perform their best.
Athlete Leadership Programs
Special Olympics Idaho also encourages athletes to take on leadership roles in their communities. Through Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs), athletes get involved in public speaking, advocacy, and event leadership. These experiences give them valuable skills to use on and off the field.
The Power of Community Support
Special Olympics Idaho thrives because of the amazing support from the community, volunteers, and generous donors. Want to get involved? There are plenty of ways to help—whether it’s through volunteering, attending events, or participating in fundraising efforts.
One exciting way to give back this year is the Toyota Tundra Raffle. For just $25 a ticket, you could win some fantastic prizes while supporting an incredible cause! Here’s what’s up for grabs:
- Grand Prize: A brand-new 2024 Toyota Tundra 4X4 LTD Crewmax 5.5
- First day to purchase tickets: March 15th, 2024
- Last day to purchase tickets: December 1st, 2024
- Grand Prize Drawing: December 12th, 2024
- Early Bird Prize: A 7-night luxury vacation for two!
- Early Bird Drawing: November 1st, 2024
With only 100,000 tickets available, this is one raffle you don’t want to miss! Every ticket sold goes directly to funding Special Olympics Idaho’s programs, ensuring that athletes across the state can continue to compete and grow.
Get Involved
You don’t need to be an athlete to be part of something this amazing! Whether you want to volunteer, sponsor an athlete, or just show up to cheer them on, there are so many ways to get involved. And don’t forget to snag a raffle ticket for a chance to win that sweet new Toyota Tundra—all while supporting a great cause.
Check out their website at specialolympicsidaho.org or follow them on Instagram @specialolympicsid.
At Totally Boise, we’re all about highlighting stories that lift up our community, and Special Olympics Idaho is a shining example of how sports can bring people together, foster inclusion, and create joy for individuals and families alike. Whether you volunteer, spread the word, or buy a raffle ticket, your support helps keep this life-changing organization going strong.
So, what are you waiting for? Get involved today and help make a difference in the lives of athletes across Idaho!
Stay tuned for more inspiring updates from Totally Boise as we continue to showcase the best our community has to offer!