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Pins For A Purpose 2020 – J. Kent Staffing’s Continued Support of Special Olympics Colorado

Posted by: Karen Booher on October 21st, 2020

Special Olympics Colorado – An Important Mission:

According to specialolympicsco.org, “The mission of Special Olympics Colorado is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

Even amid a pandemic, it is imperative that support towards the Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) mission does not waiver! Most events surrounding athletes have temporarily transitioned to virtual meetings and competition, but it is important as ever to advocate for those who are especially vulnerable during this time.

Pins For A Purpose – A Special Night for a Special Cause:

On Monday, October 19th, 2020, J. Kent Staffing participated in the 4th annual “Pins For A Purpose” event – a bowling competition held at Bowlero Cherry Creek, hosted by the Young Professionals Board (YPB), a subcommittee of Special Olympics Colorado. This was J. Kent Staffing’s 2nd year participating, and the event raised $10,000! Our J. Kent Staffing team didn’t win the bowling contest, but had lots of fun – and the event organizer said we definitely had the best team spirit!

Due to COVID-19, athletes were not in attendance due to SOCO’s COVID-19 policies. Many of SOCO’s athletes are immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk from COVID-19 and their safety is first priority. Needless to say, their awesome energy and bowling skills were missed this year!

Note from this Blog’s Author, Lauren Brown, J. Kent Staffing Recruiter/Staffing Manager:

I have been involved with Special Olympics for over 12 years and have a deep passion for this organization. My aunt has Down Syndrome and is heavily involved with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. With over 100 medals – competing in volleyball, weightlifting, basketball and more – she has been a role model for me as long as I can remember. She even led the opening ceremony at the Penn State Olympics – giving the welcoming speech in front of thousands of people.

So, I started volunteering for Special Olympics Maryland as a teenager and quickly filled my time with events surrounding the mission. I wanted to create the same opportunities that my aunt had for others who have intellectual disabilities. In my junior year of high school, I won Officer of the Year for the State of Maryland, after hours of commitment in various activities & event planning.

When I moved to Colorado in 2015, I knew I wanted to continue with Special Olympics Colorado, but wanted to find a group that had a particular focus, rather than just volunteering at different events. When I came across the Young Professionals Board, I knew I had found a great group of people who were not only in my age group but who were all interested in the same mission. Meeting every other month, we plan and execute four main events throughout the year to gain awareness and raise money for SOCO’s Healthy Athletes Program. With the help of this event, we have raised $40,000 of our $60,000 goal for 2020!

According to specialolympicsco.org, “Special Olympics Colorado is a 501c3 and is one of just 6% of non-profits which does not receive federal or state funding.” Therefore, it is incredibly important for SOCO, including YPB, to constantly promote, educate and fundraise to support our athletes!

If your company is interested in getting involved in future SOCO events, please email me, Lauren Brown, at [email protected]. To make a personal or company contribution to Special Olympics Colorado, please click to donate.