Wausau Metro Adult Special Olympics

Wausau Metro Adult Special Olympics (WMASO) is a local, Wausau based volunteer-driven organization that is focused on disabled adults. Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for adults with intellectual disabilities. As a result of these efforts we give our athletes continuing opportunities to enhance their self-esteem, physical fitness, development of teamwork, friendships and a sense of belonging. Through the power of sport, our athletes discover new strengths and abilities as well as joy and confidence; both on and off the playing field. They also inspire people in our community and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.

Individuals who are at least 18 years old and are identified as having an intellectual disability are eligible for participation. In 2019, we had 160 active local athletes, whose ages ranged from 18 to 70+ years old, participating in WMASO programs. 

Many volunteers help organize local sports training and practice programs, regional and state competitions, travel to other communities for tournaments, awards ceremonies, fundraising events and other activities that benefit participating athletes. Although we are affiliated with Special Olympics Wisconsin and the national office of Special Olympics, most of what we do is based in our community. Our management team operates the WMASO by coordinating all aspects of our program. All revenue generated by WMASO stays in our community to benefit local athletes.

Throughout the year we offer athletes opportunities to participate in the following sports: bowling, swimming, soccer, track and field, bocce ball, basketball, flag football, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing. Weekly training and practice sessions are highlighted by local and regional tournaments and state-wide competitions.

While donations and fund raising events help finance many of our program needs, athletes also pay minor fees for swimming pool use and gym space for practices and events. Athletes with extremely limited financial resources are not denied participation in our activities—we provide scholarships for them.

WMASO is operated by a volunteer management team that includes: Agency Manager/Housing- Bev Schmidt, Athletic Director- Jeff Mitchell/Cathy Mitchell, Fundraising- David Krause, Communications- Benoit Meney, Medicals- Carol Krause, Social Activities- Kathy Engelbretson, Transportation- Arnie Heil, Volunteers- Ashley Kalenske and Kayla Huth.

Please like our page on Facebook. We are affiliated with Special Olympics Wisconsin (http://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/) and the national Special Olympics organization (http://www.specialolympics.org/).