Special Olympics Oregon names new board chair, leadership
Special Olympics Oregon announced Tuesday new leadership of its board of directors to guide the organization that serves thousands of Oregon children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their communities through sports, education, and athlete health programs.
Oregon State University President Ed Ray was elected to serve as board chair and, along with new Chief Executive Officer Britt Oase,” will help guide Special Olympics Oregon into a new era of accountability, reform, transparency and sustainable programming following a number of programs being put on hold last June,” the announcement said.
In a recent letter to Special Olympics Oregon athletes and supporters, Ray shared his vision for the organization moving forward and his commitment to the athletes to once again provide high-level sport experiences.
“There is no doubt that much hard work lies ahead to return Special Olympics Oregon to the level of athletic experiences, programming and trust that our athletes deserve,” Ray said. “We will work to restore Special Olympics Oregon fully to a place where it belongs. Our athletes deserve nothing less than this result and they definitely deserve our full support.”
Meanwhile, Mike Golub of the Portland Timbers & Portland Thorns and former Governor Barbara Roberts will serve as co-chairs of the organization’s finance committee.
Oase said that several steps have been taken over the last few months to provide for financial sustainability.
During October, Special Olympics Oregon leadership team will be traveling to seven communities around the state to host town halls with athletes and supporters.
The meetings provide an opportunity for families and supporters to meet Oase and hear her vision for the future of Special Olympics Oregon and, most importantly, a chance for Oase and team to listen to and learn from those closest to the mission.
“We need to be collaborative in our approach – we have talented people who care deeply about Special Olympics Oregon and we will be better if we work together. We have made positive strides and fundraising preparations are underway for the organization’s most daring and exciting event, Polar Plunge,” Oase said.
Teams around the state are already registering at plungeoregon.com to take the plunge next February. Funds from this event will go to support ongoing operations for Special Olympics Oregon and $25 from every registrant will go directly to the Local Program associated with the plunger’s zip code. It’s an easy and fun way to support the athletes and mission of Special Olympics Oregon.
About Special Olympics Oregon
Special Olympics Oregon works to serve more than 14,000 participants with intellectual disabilities year-round and statewide through the organization’s life-changing sports programs. Unified Champion Schools is a collaboration with school communities for engaging young people with and without intellectual disabilities as leaders promoting acceptance, inclusion and respect in their schools, utilizing the sports and education initiatives of Special Olympics Oregon. Learn more at www.soor.org .
