Athlete Keira Thompson of Brookfield has been selected as the ambassador for our inaugural Sun Run & Solar Plunge series taking place across Wisconsin this summer during the month of June.
The 14-year-old athlete embodies the Special Olympics spirit and is an excellent example of what Special Olympics athletes are capable of. Last year, as the pandemic brought schools and activities to a standstill, Thompson used her newfound free time to pursue a longtime dream of hers: she became a published author of a children’s book.
“Special Olympics has given me a lot of confidence because now I believe that I can accomplish anything,” Thompson said.
Thompson is also an ideal ambassador because she is a graduate of our Young Athletes program, an inclusive sport and play program for children ages 2 – 10 with and without intellectual disabilities that prepares them for Special Olympics sports and an inclusive future.
This year’s Sun Run & Solar Plunge will be celebrating and showcasing our innovative Young Athletes program and the many children impacted by it, just like Keira was when she was younger.
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“Young Athletes helped me learn different skills and how to play with other people,” Thompson said. “I realized that I liked to play sports, and it helped me get ready to play for Special Olympics.”
The Sun Run & Solar Plunge fundraiser will help ensure that Keira, the 9,000 other athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin, and the Young Athletes continue to benefit from the many programs, activities and opportunities we offer. After canceling many events over the past year due to the pandemic, including crucial fundraisers, athletes like Keira need your help now more than ever.
“The competitions are so exciting and fun but they couldn’t happen without enough money to do it right.” – Keira Thompson
“It’s not free to rent a gym, bowling alley or swimming pool, so people’s donations help Special Olympics Wisconsin to be able to do all of this for the athletes,” Thompson said. “The competitions are so exciting and fun but they couldn’t happen without enough money to do it right.”
The inaugural Sun Run & Solar Plunge will take place at six locations across the state and it’s guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Participants can warm up with a 5K SUN RUN/WALK or kids dash and cool down with a SOLAR PLUNGE in support of Keira and her fellow athletes. While there will be socially distant activities for all to enjoy, there will be also a virtual option for those interested.
The Sun Run & Solar Plunge is going to be a summer event you won’t want to miss! Register today at SolarPlunge.org.