[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS WYOMING

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Special Olympics Wyoming, an organization that has made 
a profound difference in the lives of many Wyoming citizens.
  In October, Special Olympics Wyoming will celebrate its 50th 
anniversary held in conjunction with its annual State Fall Tournament 
in Casper.
  Special Olympics was founded in 1962 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It 
began in Maryland as a summer camp for youth with intellectual 
disabilities. Rosemary Kennedy, Eunice's sister, had an intellectual 
disability and was the inspiration for Eunice. By 1968, Special 
Olympics had become a worldwide sensation. Over 1,000 participants 
competed in the first International Special Olympics Games in Chicago.
  Special Olympics Wyoming was established 10 years later in 1972 by 
Helen and Lloyd Wampler. Their first event was the Wyoming Summer Games 
at Natrona County High School, where 215 athletes competed in track and 
field or swimming.
  Special Olympics Wyoming offers year-round athletic and sports 
training for youth and adults who have an intellectual disability. They 
provide ``opportunities to develop physical fitness skills, express 
courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of talents, 
skills and friendship with their families, friends, other Special 
Olympics athletes and the community.''
  As the Wyoming athletes strive to meet their athletic goals, their 
participation and success within the program accentuates why Special 
Olympics Wyoming was started. Today, there are roughly 1,600 active 
athletes throughout Wyoming who participate in 16 different sports.
  Special Olympics Wyoming hosts five annual statewide events that 
promote healthy competition, refine athletic skills, and build 
friendships statewide. These events include the State Winter Games, 
State Summer Games, Summer Sports Classic, Equestrian Show, and the 
State Fall Tournament.
  Former Special Olympics Wyoming CEO, Priscilla Dowse, is an 
exceptional example of this type of dedication. During her 44-year 
involvement in the program, Dowse more than tripled the number of 
athletes, expanded the unified partners from 70 to 525, and increased 
fundraising efforts from $15,000 to $186,000 with the partnership from 
Wyoming law enforcement.
  Her commitment to Special Olympics Wyoming led her to travel 
internationally and incorporate different training and leadership 
programs in an effort to improve Special Olympics Wyoming. Dowse 
described Special Olympics Wyoming as `` . . . a place that individuals 
with intellectual disabilities had a place to shine, to be successful, 
to have fun and laugh. And I was mesmerized,''
  Since Dowse's retirement, the organization has continued to grow 
under the leadership of Jen Haines. As Dowse said ``if you put a team 
together, there's almost nothing they can't do.'' Jen's unwavering 
commitment will be a strong asset as the organization continues to 
thrive.
  The mission of Special Olympics Wyoming would not be possible without 
the resolute dedication of their staff members, coaches, volunteers and 
mentors contributing their time and expertise to the athletes. Current 
Staff and Board Members are:

  Jennifer Haines--CEO & President
  Tara Short--Vice President of Development
  Bobby Casey--Vice President of Programs
  Laura Kelly--Director of Program Services
  Cathy Bisiar--Direct of Law Enforcement Torch Run
  Christine Rodriguez--Office Administrator
  Erin Gamroth--Marketing & Communications Coordinator
  Molly Blomstrom--Office Assistant
  Jessica Purdum--Director of Unified Champion Schools
  Karen Beddoes--Area I Director
  Chrissy Bowns--Area II Director
  Marsha Dial--Area III Director
  Carrie Pilcher--Area IV Director


                           Board of Directors

  Chair: Ron Casalenda, Douglas Police Department (retired)
  Vice-Chair: Carolyn Griffith, the City of Casper (retired)
  Treasurer: KieLee Ellsworth, Porter, Muirhead, Cornia & Howard
  Secretary: Tiffany Vermillion
  Bill Rogers, Jonah Bank
  Kerry Namken, Platte Valley Bank
  Lisa Foutz, Fremont County School District #1
  Phil Grabrick, Gillette WY
  Taryn Blackett, Natrona County SD # 1
  Jen Haines, President & CEO (ex-officio)
  Tess Robinson, Casper Senior Center--Athlete Representative

  It is an honor for me to rise in recognition of this significant 
milestone for Special Olympics Wyoming. The impact and opportunities 
Special Olympics Wyoming has created for people living with 
intellectual disabilities is incredible. Bobbi joins me in extending 
our congratulations to Special Olympics Wyoming on their 50th 
anniversary.

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