2021 Capitol Hill Day

 Special Olympics programs from across the United States took part in a virtual 2021 Capitol Hill Day on Wednesday, February 10th, and Thursday, February 11th. This is the 19th year Special Olympics has organized the event, which included over 500 delegates representing 48 states. This is the first year that this event has been held 100% virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) athletes, Unified Partners, and staff had the honor of serving as delegates for Special Olympics’ Capitol Hill Day! The SOPA Philadelphia program was represented by John Mitchell, SOPA athlete leader, Jon Garvey, SOPA coach and athlete leadership mentor, and Chase Trimmer, Director of the SOPA Philadelphia program. The SOPA Philadelphia delegation had virtual meetings with Philly native Representative Dwight Evans and staff from Representative Brendan Boyle’s office to advocate for the vitally important work that Special Olympics does to make the world a better and more inclusive place for people with intellectual disabilities (ID)!

We’re BEYOND PROUD of the dynamic duo of John and Jon who highlighted the work of Special Olympics in Philadelphia and advocated on behalf of athletes across the country. They had the opportunity to educate lawmakers and their staff about the stigma faced by people with ID, and how high-impact and cost-effective Special Olympics programming in sports, health, and education can reduce discrimination.

Philadelphia team (Chase Trimmer, top center; John Mitchell, top right; Jon Garvey, bottom left) with Rep Boyle’s Team

Special Olympics Press Release: Special Olympics Delegates Make Virtual Visit to Capitol Hill to Advocate for Inclusion and Need for Critical Funding