Special Olympics, Inc

Bettie Vanhoozier Holdman departed this world on April 12, 2025, quietly in her sleep. Born on December 16, 1939, Bettie had a remarkable life and touched so many lives. She married William Holdman and had a son, Marvin Holdman. She continued her education and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree, which she used to help pioneer the special education system in Enterprise, Alabama. Her most prized accomplishment was helping her students excel in their lives. Once retired, she moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she was active in her church, traveled extensively, and participated in continuing education. Bettie is survived by her son, Marvin Holdman of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and her sister, Barbara Gibson of Eubank, KY.

We will be having a memorial service in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in mid-May. Check by here for details.

As a tribute to Bettie's commitment to her children, we are doing a small fundraiser to benefit National Special Olympics. We feel that she would have wanted one of her final memories to be helping her kids one more time. Thank you.

Through the power of sports, Special Olympics helps people with intellectual disabilities feel welcome in their communities and develop a profound belief in themselves.

This is story of Lani De Mello:

"When you have a child with an intellectual disability, you think your world is going to be closed. Special Olympics has opened a whole new world for Lani and given her opportunities that we never dreamed would be possible for our daughter."

Ana De Mello, mother of Special

Olympics athlete Lani DeMello

Lani De Mello was born with intellectual disabilities and a heart defect. Her doctors told her mother Ana, "Take her home. She's never going to achieve anything."

Flash forward 25 years and Lani is a Special Olympics gold medalist and a source of inspiration to her friends and family.

As a young girl, Lani took an interest in dance. She took classes at a local ballet studio, yet was unable to keep up with the other dancers. At 13, a friend recommended that she sign up to participate in Special Olympics. There, Lani finally had the support she needed and at her first gymnastics competition, she won almost exclusively gold medals.

Lani continued to work hard and wants to help other athletes succeed and build confidence. She received her coaching certification and has been assisting the gymnastics program. She even interned as a Technical Delegate for Rhythmic Gymnastics at the World Summer Games.

Your support of Special Olympics changes lives. Please donate to Special Olympics and help us reach one more person like Lani DeMello who is still waiting for a chance to feel accepted, build confidence, and be a champion!

We are the Change Makers, a team of UNT students who believe that sports can open doors, build confidence, and bring people together. That belief is why we’re proud to partner with the Special Olympics, a movement that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through the power of athletic competition.

Many of us on this team have volunteered at Special Olympics events or know someone who has participated. This cause is personal. It’s real. And it’s needed.

Athletes in the Special Olympics don’t just train for fun. They train to prove something to themselves and to a world that often underestimates them. They show us what resilience, joy, and unity really look like.

Meet Two of the Athletes

Emily, a 12 year old with Down syndrome, has always loved running, swimming, and basketball. Her dream is to compete at the Special Olympics and represent her community. But her family struggles to afford the travel, uniforms, and entry fees. Your donation helps make her dream possible.

Elisa, a figure skater from Italy, was selected to carry the Flame of Hope at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Winter Games in Turin. She competes not just for herself, but to challenge the outdated belief that people with disabilities are limited. “In this world,” she says, “I am learning to be proud of myself and support others who don’t believe in themselves.”

These are just two stories among millions.

Why This Matters

The Special Olympics provides more than medals. It gives athletes:

• A sense of belonging

• Physical fitness and health services

• Opportunities to lead and inspire.

• A chance to change perceptions.

Your donation supports:

• Registration fees for competitions

• Uniforms and equipment

• Coaching and training

• Transportation and healthy meals during events

We are raising $2,500. This amount could support 10 to 12 athletes by covering uniforms, gear, transportation, coaching, and event entry costs for upcoming local and regional competitions.

This movement promotes inclusion in schools, workplaces, and communities, helping people with intellectual disabilities become leaders both on and off the field.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Whether it’s $5 or $500, every gift makes a difference.

• Share: Post this campaign on social media and tag someone who believes in inclusion

• Support: Tell others about what the Special Olympics means to you

Let’s Be the Difference

We’re not raising funds for ourselves. Every dollar goes straight to the Special Olympics. We’re doing this because we believe every person, no matter their ability, deserves a shot to shine.

Thank you for helping us support these incredible athletes. Thank you for being a part of this movement.

With appreciation,

The Change Makers

Jeff Hunt, Julia Neff, LeAnn Crawford, Cristian Rangel, Amaarazaib Patel

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of Special Olympics, Inc and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Special Olympics, Inc: Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport, everyday, everywhere. We are the worlds largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities: with more than 4.7 million athletes in 169 countries; and over a million volunteers.

I’m excited to share that I’m raising funds for Special Olympics through my sorority for the Polar Plunge event being held in VA Beach on February 8. This organization does amazing work, providing year-round sports training, competitions, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to thrive, build confidence, and connect with their communities.

The Polar Plunge is not just a fun and unique event—it’s a chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that these programs remain accessible and impactful. I’d truly appreciate your support as I work toward my fundraising goal. Any amount will help, so please consider donating. Together, we can make a meaningful difference!

Support Vitify’s Mission to Empower Special Olympics Athletes!

At Vitify, we believe that fitness, determination, and resilience are universal values that bring us all together. That’s why we are proud to announce our initiative to support the Special Olympics, an organization that changes lives by empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to achieve their dreams through the power of sports.

Our Goal:

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise $[Insert Goal Amount] in support of the Special Olympics. All proceeds will go directly toward funding programs, events, and resources that help these incredible athletes thrive—on and off the field.

Why It Matters:

The Special Olympics provides a platform where individuals with intellectual disabilities can showcase their skills, gain confidence, and feel included in the community. By supporting this campaign, you’re not just donating—you’re fueling dreams, fostering inclusivity, and promoting fitness and wellness for all.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Any amount, big or small, makes a difference.

2. Share: Spread the word by sharing this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues.

3. Join the Movement: Follow our journey at Vitify as we partner with the Special Olympics to create lasting change.

About Vitify:

We’re more than a supplement brand—we’re a community dedicated to health, wellness, and making a positive impact. Our mission to redefine the fitness world aligns with the spirit of the Special Olympics: to inspire and uplift individuals to be their best selves.

Let’s come together to celebrate these incredible athletes and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. Join Vitify in making a difference today!

Donate now and be a part of something truly special. Together, we’re unstoppable.

Thank you for your support!

- The Vitify Team

This year for my birthday, I want to give back by raising money for the Special Olympics Organization. Working as a Special Olympics coach changed my perspective in ways that I am so grateful for. Everyone deserves to have fun, connect and reach their potential. Please help me in giving back to this amazing organization that helps people of all abilities achieve and makes a positive impact in the world every single day.

Help Sigma Tau Gamma at Arizona State reach our goal of $5,000 towards Special Olympics. Our fraternity holds this organization near and dear to our hearts and hope to reach our goal with all of your help!

As part of my 740 mile canoe journey I am raising money to benefit Special Olympics. The mission of Special Olympics 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 friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Please consider joining me on my adventure by contributing to this very worthy cause. Thank you!!

For the 2nd consecutive year, Lane, Connor, and Jack will be taking on David Goggins' 4x4x48 event. That is, we are running 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours (12 total runs) starting Friday, April 28th at 12pm. While these 48 hours will challenge our endurance, sleeplessness, and willpower, we want it to be for a great purpose! That's why we've teamed up with Special Olympics to raise funds for a great cause. Running to support athletes with intellectual and/or physical disabilities is a powerful reminder that we can all find purpose through sport and movement, no matter what barriers or challenges we face.

The mission of Special Olympics 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 friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Your generosity will go a long way in motivating our efforts to complete this unique challenge. No donation is too small, so feel free to sponsor a mile, an hour, or an entire leg!

-Lane, Connor, and Jack

Sig Tau is proud to kick off this year's philanthropy event: 2023 Taulympics.

We are raising money to benefit Special Olympics, Inc. Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.