GIRARD, Kan. — John Lair, president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS), paid a visit to the county commission on Friday to thank them for their support of SOKS athletes, families, and volunteers. Lair also described the benefits SOKS generates in Southeast Kansas.

Just since January 1 of this year, SOKS has hosted no fewer than 10 separate events in Crawford County, seven of them in Pittsburg alone. These events run the gamut of sporting and social events, from football, track, and bocce ball to a prom and the annual Polar Plunge — which brought in a record amount of donations this year.

SOKS events are growing in popularity and participation each year, according to Lair. A typical event will see upwards of 200 athletes, coaches, and family members. The big events, like Bocce and Track and Field, attendance can be more than 600, which, he said, is a financial boon for local businesses.

The growth of SOKS is what allowed Lair to dedicate a new Crawford County satellite office Friday morning at Victory Life Church along the U.S. 69 Bypass in Pittsburg.

Lair gave special attention to the PSU Victory Day, where his athletes get to spend the day with the Gorilla football team. He said one of the PSU coaches remarked that Victory Day is “the best day in spring football.”

Lair said he is grateful for the continued support of Girard High School, who provides student volunteers for many SOKS events around the county. Those young Trojans are now in the top three for consideration for an ESPN banner, a prestigious award recognizing schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to inclusion by meeting ten national standards of excellence, fostering inclusive sports, and promoting a positive school climate.

“They are very inclusive,” Lair said of Girard students, “and they do amazing things.”

The commissioners thanked Lair for everything his organization does for the community and the people it serves and pledged continued support of the program.

Anyone interested in volunteering can do so at soks.org.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews