At Special Olympics Utah, impact isn’t measured in numbers alone — it’s measured in moments, opportunities, and the lives changed through sport, health, and leadership.
And in 2025… those moments added up in a big way.
By the Numbers — and Beyond
Across Utah, thousands of athletes stepped onto fields, courts, slopes, and stages — building confidence, connection, and community along the way:
- 4,000+ athletes competed in basketball area and state tournaments
- 3,000+ athletes participated in Area Games (track & field, soccer, swimming)
- 2,800 athletes engaged in Summer Sports Classic and Country Club Classic events
- 1,500+ participants took part in Unified Champion Schools programming
- 1,200–1,500 health screenings delivered statewide
- 1,200+ volunteers mobilized across Utah
- 1,000+ athletes & Unified partners competed at Summer Games
- 500 athletes & partners participated in Fall Sports Classic
- 300 athletes competed in Winter Games
- 69 athletes & Unified partners selected for Team Utah (2026 USA Games)
Behind every number is a story — of courage, growth, and belonging.
A Year in Motion
From Winter Games through Fall Sports Classic, 2025 was defined by movement — not just in competition, but in opportunity.
This year marked a major milestone as Special Olympics Utah hosted the Summer Games in Cedar City for the first time, expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for athletes and families across Southern Utah. Participation grew across every level of competition, and with it, so did confidence, connection, and community. Thousands of medals were awarded — but more importantly, thousands of moments of bravery were celebrated.
Health, Wellness, and Whole Athlete Support
Through our Healthy Athletes program, we continued expanding access to critical health services — ensuring athletes are supported both on and off the field.
- Health screenings reached communities from Glendale to Monument Valley to Cedar City
- Services included Special Smiles, Opening Eyes, Healthy Hearing, Fit Feet, and Strong Minds
- All provided at no cost to athletes and families
Because inclusion doesn’t stop at sport — it extends to health, confidence, and quality of life.
Unified Champion Schools: Inclusion in Action
In classrooms and communities across the state, inclusion is growing:
- 1,600+ students engaged across
- 73 schools
- 168 teams competing statewide
- 1,500+ participants at state championships
Unified Champion Schools continues to create spaces where students of all abilities learn, compete, and lead together — shaping a more inclusive future.
Athletes Leading the Movement
Our athletes aren’t just competing — they’re leading.
Through public speaking, leadership roles, and community engagement, athletes like Nora Schultz, Brady Johnson, Natalie Green, and Savannah Carr are helping carry the mission forward.
They are showing, every day, what inclusion looks like in action.
Community, Connection, and Growth
None of this happens alone.
From signature events like the Polar Plunge, Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), and Walk 4 Inclusion, to grassroots outreach and partnerships across Utah — our community continues to show up.
In 2025, we also introduced a new signature event:
- Pull for a Purpose Truck Pull: A high-energy, team-driven experience that brought people together in a powerful new way to support the mission.
The Real Impact
Because of your support:
6,400+ athletes were impacted across Utah
That means more access.
More opportunity.
More confidence.
More belonging.
Looking Ahead
2025 set the tone — but we’re just getting started.
With Team Utah heading to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, growing Unified programs, and expanding opportunities statewide… the momentum is real.
And next year? We go bigger. We go bolder. We go further — together.
Thank You for Being Part of the Movement
Whether you volunteered, donated, partnered, coached, or cheered from the sidelines…
You made this impact possible.
Because inclusion doesn’t happen by accident —it happens because people like you say yes.