Mary Fehrenbach of Lexington, Kentucky, has been involved in Special Olympics since 1992 in Virginia and Kentucky, where she has coached athletics, cheerleading, equestrian and gymnastics. She will represent Special Olympics USA as head coach in artistic gymnastics. Special Olympics has given Mary tremendous opportunities to be involved in so many athletes’ lives, working with them to set and achieve goals and to develop skills to their highest level. In the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Mary will be attending her seventh consecutive World Games.
In 2022, Mary founded the world's first special needs U.S. All Star cheerleading team, the Kentucky Elite Showcats, forever changing the landscaping of inclusive cheerleading. Mary was recognized as the Special Olympics North America Coach of the Year in 2010 and the Special Olympics Kentucky Coach of the Year in 2011. In 2018, she was named a Pioneer in the United States All Star Federation awards. She is self-employed as an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. Mary is grateful for another opportunity to work with Special Olympics gymnasts, competing and achieving their dreams at the highest level.