Charter Class MembersSpecial Olympics Missouri is raising funds for the Training for Life Campus. The campus, located at 305 Special Olympics Drive, is a facility on a piece of land spanning more than 16 acres in Jefferson City, MO. This campus serves current and future Missouri athletes with intellectual disabilities. It is the first facility of its kind in the world, with the purpose of enriching the lives of our athletes. Our athletes are learning the lessons of sport and life that inspire all of us.

The campus serves as a lifelong community hub and center, and inspires a new drive in our athletes so that they may continue to develop the physical and social skills they need to be as productive and independent as possible. It is both symbolic and practical for our athletes, coaches and volunteers, and represents a real sense of home for future generations of athletes who touch the lives of so many Missourians.

We need your support to make it happen. Our athletes and fans use this website to create a personal fundraising page to be used for asking friends and family to support the campaign. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we opened the campus in September 2018 completely debt free. Additional funds are needed to complete the athletic fields, athlete pavilion and Law Enforcement Torch Run Plaza, and purchase equipment. Additional naming opportunities are available for the outdoor fields and sports equipment.

Our athletes can earn fundraising incentives by raising money for the Training for Life Campus. By becoming a member of the Charter Class, athletes are eligible for these awards:

  • $5,000+                SOMO letter jacket
  • $2,500+                SOMO class ring
  • $1,000+                SOMO warm up shirts and personalized paver (see below)
  • $250+                   SOMO TLC Hat

Brock Guseman Charter ClassWhen a Charter Class member raises $1,000+, they will also be recognized with a personalized paver on the observation patio of the Training for Life Campus overlooking the beautiful outdoor sports fields. Every TLC Charter Class member is leaving a lasting mark on the Campus -- at every visit, every camp, every practice, every competition and ceremony at the Campus, each member of the Charter Class will forever be reminded of his or her hard work and commitment to make this exceptional Campus a reality for themselves and the thousands of other amazing SOMO athletes that will follow them!

Charter Class members: Here is a booklet of resources to assist with your fundraising efforts

The TLC Charter Class is all about leaving a legacy and helping future generations of SOMO athletes. New TLC Charter Class member and life-long SOMO athlete Travis Mankin said, “My life wouldn’t be the same without Special Olympics. Ever since I can remember, Special Olympics has been a major part of my life. I have experienced community and a place to belong. I also have helped other athletes feel like they have a place to belong.”

Travis Mankin Charter ClassAccording to Travis, SOMO is not just a place to  train and compete, but it’s a community in which to belong. “As I get older, I can’t help but think about the younger kids that are not a part of Special Olympics and feeling bullied or just sitting on the sidelines. That would have been me if I didn’t have Special Olympics. I want to make sure that these kids become a part of Special Olympics and experience the friendships and belonging that I have experienced.”  

Travis is not just an athlete; he has become a leader that wants to pass on a legacy for generations to come. This is what makes Special Olympics so much more than just a program or an athletic organization. It’s a family, a community, a place to belong.  “I love our new Training for Life Campus because it’s a place for our athletes. I want to help raise funds to complete the back fields so that more athletes like me and athletes that aren’t even apart of Special Olympics yet have a place to call home. I want to talk to everyone about this campus and help open the back fields.”  

To support the athletes in their efforts, click Donate above. To help an athlete create and use his or her own fundraising page, click Register above. It's a great way to help our amazing SOMO athletes accomplish personal goals while helping their teammates and friends raise money for the SOMO Training for Life Campus. 

If you are an athlete interested in joining the TLC Charter Class, please contact Mary Niswonger at niswonger@somo.org