Why I'm Thankful

November 26, 2019

Here at Special Olympics Massachusetts, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful for the incredible support we see every day in every community across our amazing commonwealth.

We are thankful for our coaches like Kate and Jon Dyer. They have taken the lead in the Bridgewater/Raynham area and provide year-round programming for athletes and Unified partners.

We are thankful for parents like Gina Donahue who supports her daughter Beth’s goals of being a Special Olympics Health Messenger, athletes, global messenger, and all-around athlete leader.

We are thankful for our sports partners like the Boston Bruins and New England Revolution. They not only provide critical support for our athletic training and competition, they put Special Olympics athletes on the biggest stages in sports.

We are thankful for our incredibly devoted volunteers who make everything you experience possible. People like Dana Cook, who can be seen at what seems like every event we put on, and those with expertise in the areas of event leadership, athlete support, medical service, photography, and so much more!

We are thankful for our schools. The students, faculty and staff at schools across Massachusetts have committed to building more inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2019, sixteen schools like Middleboro High School were recognized on the national level for their work in Unified Sports, Whole School Engagement, and Inclusive Youth Leadership.

And finally, we are thankful for our athletes. Without these amazing people who commit to sharing their skills, determination, and incredible personalities through sports, I would certainly not be here today.

To everyone who has been a part of the Special Olympics movement in Massachusetts over the past year, I am so personally thankful for the time, talent and treasure you have shared with our more than 50-year-old grass roots movement.

Thank YOU!

Mary Beth McMahon

President & CEO

Special Olympics Massachusetts

Here at Special Olympics Massachusetts, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are thankful for the incredible support we see every day in every community across our amazing commonwealth.

We are thankful for our coaches like Kate and Jon Dyer. They have taken the lead in the Bridgewater/Raynham area and provide year-round programming for athletes and Unified partners.

We are thankful for parents like Gina Donahue who supports her daughter Beth’s goals of being a Special Olympics Health Messenger, athletes, global messenger, and all-around athlete leader.

We are thankful for our sports partners like the Boston Bruins and New England Revolution. They not only provide critical support for our athletic training and competition, they put Special Olympics athletes on the biggest stages in sports.

We are thankful for our incredibly devoted volunteers who make everything you experience possible. People like Dana Cook, who can be seen at what seems like every event we put on, and those with expertise in the areas of event leadership, athlete support, medical service, photography, and so much more!

We are thankful for our schools. The students, faculty and staff at schools across Massachusetts have committed to building more inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In 2019, sixteen schools like Middleboro High School were recognized on the national level for their work in Unified Sports, Whole School Engagement, and Inclusive Youth Leadership.

And finally, we are thankful for our athletes. Without these amazing people who commit to sharing their skills, determination, and incredible personalities through sports, I would certainly not be here today.

To everyone who has been a part of the Special Olympics movement in Massachusetts over the past year, I am so personally thankful for the time, talent and treasure you have shared with our more than 50-year-old grass roots movement.

Thank YOU!

Mary Beth McMahon

President & CEO

Special Olympics Massachusetts

label

Articles related

Text Link
Boston University Dental Bringing Smiles to the Massachusetts Summer Games

Boston University dental student, Saher Arora shares the impactful experience of volunteering at the state's largest Inclusive sports competition. Bringing dental health to the athletes provides benefits for them and the volunteers.

Text Link
Exclusive Special Needs Trust Partner, PLAN of MA & RI renews commitment to Special Olympics MA

Special Olympics Massachusetts Announces Renewed Partnership with Exclusive Special Needs Trust Partner, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI

Text Link
‘If They Can Do It, Why Can’t I?’: Jura Greely’s Mission Beyond the Finish Line

Inspired by Special Olympics athletes, longtime volunteer Jura Greely ran the 2025 Boston 5K, proving that passion, persistence, and community can take you across any finish line.