Thank You From The CEO

A Special Thank you from Tom Fraker, CEO of Special Olympics Arizona...

I believe Special Olympics is a unique charity that benefits so many beyond any measurable means.  In many cases during one day the lives of so many are changed because of the interaction of athlete, coach, volunteer, donor and family.  

Let me give you some examples:

Athlete

Because of having no financial restrictions (every thing is free) to compete, everyone with an intellectual disability can choose from 24 sports to compete in if they train for each sport.  By participating they gain friends and mentors that help them to have a life full of promise and hope.

Coach 

This role is such a key for Special Olympics.  Through countless hours the athlete and coach work together to prepare for the competition and during this time a bond is created.  The adage is so true here “you must give to receive" for not only is the athlete changed so is the coach forever.

Volunteer

Each year Special Olympics and SOAZ have millions and thousands of people volunteer from families, individuals, churches, community help groups, schools and corporations.  Most have heard what a wonderful experience volunteering at a Special Olympics is, so they try it and in many cases it is beyond description. For when you see the smiles, hear the laughter, witness the will to compete, and view the grit of determination, one realizes that life is good and special.

This moment changes the volunteer forever.

Family

When a family has a child with an intellectual disability, one of the things they seek is hope.

SOAZ provides that to them.  As early as the age of two, through our Young Athlete Program, and throughout this family member’s life, they can compete and bring into their family a time, event and moment to celebrate. Special Olympics provides a purpose and a means to socialize for the athlete and the whole family.

Our organization has recently read and discussed the book “Good to Great”. It states that entities who want to go from good to great must discover what they are passionate about, great at and can be measured by. For SOAZ that one thing is that we are in the “Experience” business.  By this we mean that for the athlete, coach, volunteer and donor we want to provide the best and greatest life changing “experience.”  If we do that well, we make the change from Good to Great and better serve all our Stakeholders. Without our volunteers and/or donations we can’t provide these experiences.

Special Olympics Arizona goal is “Total Participation in Special Olympics Arizona by all with Intellectual Disabilities and inclusiveness in our community for our athletes".

Lofty Yes….Optimistic...Yes….Exciting...Yes…But this is how change occurs.  Aim high and be aggressive and press forward with your dreams.  This is what we ask of our athletes, so why should all of us who support them not do the same?

Many of you have been part of that goal and we thank you so much. But for those that have not,

we invite you to by volunteering, coaching and/or being a financial partner.

Tom Fraker

CEO

Special Olympics Arizona