MISSION, Kan. – The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) are renewing and expanding their Champions in Action Initiative, creating new opportunities for KCAC student-athletes and SOKS athletes to build connections through sport.
Through the renewed partnership, KCAC member institutions and teams will host clinics for SOKS athletes, providing opportunities for athletes to learn from collegiate coaches and student-athletes while developing skills and building confidence in their respective sports. KCAC student-athletes and athletic departments will also volunteer at SOKS state competitions throughout the year.
In addition, SOKS athletes will be invited to attend KCAC championship events, creating opportunities for athletes to experience collegiate competition and connect with student-athletes from across the conference.
The Champions in Action initiative is designed to build meaningful connections between collegiate athletes and SOKS athletes while demonstrating the power of sport to create inclusive communities.
"We are thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference," said Chris Burt, COO of SOKS. "These opportunities are impactful for everyone involved. We are grateful to the KCAC and its member institutions for continuing to champion inclusion."
The partnership also provides KCAC student-athletes with opportunities to develop leadership skills and make an impact in their communities through service and inclusive sport.
"We at the KCAC are delighted to continue this partnership with Special Olympics Kansas," said Brandon Buchanan, the KCAC Commissioner. "This means a great deal to us, and the added opportunities are so impactful for everyone involved. We're excited not only to continue this partnership but also to expand it and help it grow further. We are grateful to Special Olympics and can't wait to see these opportunities benefit our student-athletes, programs, institutions, and Special Olympics athletes."
The renewed Champions in Action initiative reflects the shared commitment of the KCAC and SOKS to using sports as a platform for inclusion, leadership, personal growth and community engagement.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS
Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. Offering year-round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state - regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or cultural differences.
It is our belief that participation in sports enables challenges and opportunities to be introduced to the participants, teaching them teamwork, decision making, leadership, goal-setting, perseverance, commitment and sportsmanship, while developing self-confidence, self-esteem, character, and integrity.
Find out more at www.soks.org.
Special Olympics Kansas Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 29 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
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