Meet the Athletes: A Special Olympics & 605 Running Co. Partnership

By: Morgan Sauer

The 2024 Trick or Treat Trail Run supports Special Olympics South Dakota.

Special Olympics South Dakota provides year-round Olympic-type sports for more than 2,750 individuals with intellectual disabilities. They have more than 12 sports offered throughout the year, free health screenings, a Young Athletes program for individuals who are 2-7 years old to prepare them for Special Olympics, and their Unified Champion Schools program that promotes inclusion through activities and sports for schools across the state. Learn more at: https://sosd.org/

During packet pick up at our 605 Running Co. downtown location, we are putting on a unique event with Hoka where participants can meet these amazing athletes.
Hoka Demo and Meet the Athlete Experience

🢇 Keep reading for a full profile on each athlete illustrating their accomplishments. 🢆

Derek was awarded the 2022 Athlete of the Year award. He is also part of the Athlete Leadership Council and one of our Global Messengers. Derek got involved in Special Olympics during high school. He competes in basketball, softball, bowling, and bocce. Before he was able to join Special Olympics, he used to watch everyone else play sports. He watched his brother,
neighbors, and classmates play sports. When he was able to get involved in Special Olympics he no longer just watched. He got ‘off the bench/ the sidelines and was finally able to be an athlete and play. Then, they could come and watch him.

Max is 13 years old and is a 7th grader. He is with the Sioux Falls Lancers delegation, which he began when he was 8. He participates in bowling, basketball, athletics, and bocce.
Outside of Special Olympics, Max likes to play with his friends; especially tag, swim in the summer pool, swing, and spin on his swing outside – rain, snow, wind, or sun! He enjoys helping his dad with Law Enforcement Torch Run events that support Special Olympics South Dakota, like the Polar Plunge or Chase the Ace.

Lydia has participated with Special Olympics South Dakota for many years and is with the Sioux Falls Lancers. She is a junior at Harrisburg High School. She competes in basketball, softball, swimming, and athletics.
She is a big sports fan and loves the South Dakota State Jackrabbits!

Nick will be attending the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 in Italy. He is competing in Alpine Skiing. Nick works for Special Olympics South Dakota as an Administrative Assistant for the past five years. He has competed with Special Olympics for 20 years and has competed in Alpine skiing, athletics, basketball, bowling, soccer, and volleyball. In additional to sports, he enjoys being on the Athlete Leadership Council serving as the Health Messenger and attending Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics events.
Nick earned his diploma from Southeast Technical College as a software support specialist.

So come on down Friday, October 25th from 4pm-7pm, try out Hoka demo shoes, and meet some talented athletes!