Special Olympics

Chris Hoefer, Chairman

The mission of Special Olympics Texas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These activities offer continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in sharing gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Volunteers

Special Olympics Texas thrives thanks to the time, energy, and dedication of over 38,000 volunteers who help athletes with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. As volunteers, we take an oath:

“I promise to give the time of my life, so that Special Olympics Athletes can have the time of their life. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because in giving, I receive so much more in return.”

Partnership with Special Olympics (Form 10784)

EVERY Council should complete Form 10784, reporting Partnership Activities with Special Olympics. This report details Council involvement—events attended, dollar contributions, and manpower hours devoted to various Special Olympics competitions. Councils participating in State Council Charities may report 2.5% of their State Charities donation amount.

All councils must submit this report, regardless of direct involvement in Special Olympics. Reports are due by January 31 of each fraternal year to Supreme. Additionally, please send a copy of your Council’s completed Form 10784 to the Texas State Council Office at forms@tkofc.org.

Charles ‘Chic’ O’Conner Memorial Award

Charles ‘Chic’ O’Conner (October 9, 1919 – April 22, 2010)

Chic O’Conner, a proud Knight since 1943, was instrumental in establishing Special Olympics in Gregg County (Longview) due to his involvement with his daughter, Monica. The O’Conner family has contributed as timers, huggers, chaperones, and pizza providers for Gregg County Delegation and Area events. In his honor, the Texas State Council established the Charles ‘Chic’ O’Conner Annual Memorial Award, which recognizes a Brother Knight for exemplary contributions in supporting Special Olympics Texas. Criteria for this award include Leadership, Volunteering, Fundraising, and Community Involvement.

Nomination Deadline: January 31 of each fraternal year

Send the nominations form to the State Charities Director.

Special Olympics Lapel Pins

We will have Special Olympic lapel pins available for purchase this year! These will be a limited edition, and additional details will be forthcoming.

Motto

“LET ME WIN, BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT”