Special Olympics Pennsylvania

06/14/2026

For more than 20 years, Scott Otterbein has embodied the true spirit of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

As a coach, mentor, sports leader, team manager, trainer, and volunteer, Scott has dedicated countless hours to supporting athletes, coaches, and fellow volunteers across the Commonwealth. His leadership has helped shape Athletics and Long Distance Running/Walking programs into what they are today, creating opportunities for athletes to grow, compete, and thrive.

Known for his patience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment, Scott is always the first to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or step up when needed. Whether organizing competitions, leading coach certifications, mentoring volunteers, or supporting athletes on and off the field, his impact is felt far beyond the finish line.

Those who know Scott describe him as a leader who serves with humility, kindness, and heart. His dedication to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, combined with his compassion as a father, friend, coach, and caregiver, has inspired countless individuals over the years.

Congratulations to our 2026 Hall of Fame Volunteer Inductee, Scott Otterbein! Thank you for your extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment.

Montgomery County Special Olympics, Pennsylvania

06/13/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Samantha Lurwick, our 2026 Hall of Fame Athlete Inductee! 🏆

For 20 years, Samantha has embodied everything that Special Olympics Pennsylvania stands for: determination, leadership, sportsmanship, and inclusion.

A multi sport athlete, Samantha has competed in bowling, basketball, softball, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, athletics, and Unified Golf alongside her brother, Tim. In 2025 alone, she competed at the state level in bowling, basketball, golf, and volleyball!

Beyond competition, Samantha is a dedicated athlete leader, fundraiser, mentor, assistant coach, and friend to so many in the Special Olympics community. Whether she is encouraging and supporting teammates, volunteering at events, or leading by example in training, Samantha's impact extends far beyond the sport.

Known throughout the Lehigh Valley for her kindness, infectious smile, and unwavering support of others, Samantha inspires everyone she meets. Her commitment to excellence, positive sportsmanship, and passion for helping others make her a truly deserving member of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

Please join us in celebrating Samantha Lurwick and this incredible achievement!

Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region Team Lehigh - Special Olympics PA

06/13/2026

Some athletes inspire with their results. Others inspire with their resilience.

This year, Andrea Andrews of Columbia/Montour County was honored with the 2026 Sheetz Family Award of Excellence, a recognition reserved for athletes whose courage, determination, and sportsmanship leave a lasting impact on everyone around them. 💙

No matter the challenge, Andrea shows up ready to compete, encourage others, and share her love of Special Olympics. From recruiting new athletes and volunteers to persevering through personal loss and life changes, she continues to lead with positivity and heart.

"My dad would want me to not quit and do my best."

That spirit is exactly what this award celebrates.

Congratulations, Andrea, on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for reminding us what it means to never give up and always give your best. 👏🏆

Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Susquehanna Valley Region

06/13/2026

"Volunteering together has allowed us to give back, create memories, and be part of something bigger than ourselves."

Congratulations to Jessica and Tierra Kauffman, our June Volunteers of the Month!

This incredible mother-daughter duo has made a lasting impact through their dedication to Special Olympics Pennsylvania, generously giving their time, energy, and support to athletes and communities across the state. Their passion for inclusion shines through in everything they do.

As if this honor wasn't exciting enough, Jessica and Tierra will also be representing Pennsylvania at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis! We can't wait to see them bring their enthusiasm and commitment to the national stage.

Thank you, Jessica and Tierra, for helping create a more inclusive world and for inspiring others through your service. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full article at: https://specialolympicspa.org/volunteer-of-the-month-jessica-and-tierra-kauffman/

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Bocce at the Ballpark 2026 was one for the books!

Students from elementary and middle schools across the Philadelphia School District joined Philadelphia Phillies front office and retail staff for a day filled with competition, inclusion, and fun at Citizens Bank Park.

Athletes had the opportunity to play four rounds of bocce alongside Phillies legends Milt Thompson, Ed Wade, and Dickie Noles, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A huge thank you to the Philadelphia Phillies for hosting this incredible event and for their continued commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for students. Events like these showcase the power of Unified Sports to bring people together, foster meaningful connections, and create a more inclusive world for all.

06/12/2026

For father-son bocce duo, Chris and Richmond, who goes by Lee, competing for Team PA at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota is a dream.

With every passing week, excitement builds as the two get ready to travel to Minneapolis.

Lee has played bocce with Special Olympics for eight years, and his dad, Chris, became his unified partner only 2 years ago. Lee was adamant about saying he taught him how to play. Chris said, “He taught me all the tricks and tips.”

It’s easy to see that these two love playing together and learning from each other with every match.

Lee is a special teammate who always spreads kindness and helps others. Father, Chris says, “It doesn’t matter what sport he is competing in; he goes around and talks to other athletes and gives them advice. If they look like they aren’t having fun, Lee tries to make them laugh and cheer them up”.

After playing for eight years, Lee’s experience is invaluable and will be much needed on the court at USA games, but it’s his spirit as a teammate that could be even more beneficial.

They both have nothing but positive remarks about their time with Special Olympics. For anyone considering joining, Chris said, “As quickly as you can, come with an open mind and you will learn a lot from the athletes,” and Lee added, “You’ll have fun”.

The father-son duo will join a pair from Philadelphia to compete at the USA games and hopefully bring home the gold. Good Luck, Chris and Lee!





Sheetz | Nittany Energy - Nittany Oil | Wawa |
goodr | Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
NJM Insurance Group | Shell | smartwater
Morgan Stanley | Brooks Running

06/11/2026

In honor of Opening Day for the we caught up with Montgomery County after their competition at Summer Games to ask them sportsmanship questions. Good job, athletes!

06/11/2026

Fall sports aren’t the only way to get moving this upcoming season 💙

Walking Clubs provide athletes, Unified Partners, and coaches with another opportunity to build healthy habits, stay active, and connect with others in their community.

Whether walking indoors or outside, every club is centered around wellness, inclusion, and having fun together.

Find your club: https://specialolympicspa.org/sports/?participation=walking+club

06/11/2026

🚨 NEW SERIES ALERT🚨

The countdown to the Special Olympics USA Games is on, and Team Pennsylvania has a brand new way to bring you along for the journey!

Join Team PA athlete Daniel Morales as the host of your inside look at everything happening in Minneapolis. From competition schedules and daily recaps to athlete spotlights, interviews, and more, this one of a kind morning show will keep you connected to
Team PA every step of the way.

Who will stop by? Athletes, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, special guests... and maybe even a few surprises. 👀

Make sure you're following along because you won't want to miss a moment of the action. 💙💛





Sheetz | Nittany Energy - Nittany Oil | Wawa |
goodr | Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics | Jersey Mike's Subs | Aerie |
NJM Insurance Group | Shell | smartwater
Morgan Stanley | Brooks Running