News & Stories

Home is where the heart is. From the 1800s to 1915, at least seven million people journeyed from their homeland to the United States by way of Bremen, Germany. The great-grandfather of Special Olympics USA assistant athletics coach Bonnie Kahn was one of them. Immigrating to the New World, he sailed from the port of Bremen to settle his legacy in lands unknown.

Twelve years ago, Stephanie Price stood on a world stage, sporting the emblems of Special Olympics USA as a swimmer in the Special Olympics World Games Athens 2011. From a small town in western Arkansas, known for its Christmas traditions and Ozark artisans, she traveled to make a name for herself. Twelve years later, her sister, Amy Price, seeks to live up to that family name, as she prepares to compete in athletics at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

At the ATS Butentor athletic club in Bremen, Germany, one of their foundational mottos is displayed prominently – “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” On these grounds, Special Olympics Bremen’s national bocce team gathers to practice, to embody the fairness and unity of sport. Scrimmaging against each other, the Special Olympics USA bocce athletes and Unified partners joined the Lebenshilfe Bremen team, which operates through a local social services organization for individuals with disabilities.

On the bocce court, Special Olympics USA athlete Abby Brennan and Unified partner Becky Brennan have an edge. Unified pairs rely on an intensified level of communication, knowing their partner’s move before they make it. Abby is deaf, so the two rely on sign language to communicate. More importantly, their relationship as mother and daughter is intrinsic to their dynamic in competition.

“I was first introduced to Special Olympics at the same time Lizzie was. Her first Special Olympics team that she ever competed on was associated with the school department, so there were a lot of siblings that were involved. My mom brought me to one of Lizzie’s first practices and encouraged me to be involved as a volunteer. I got bit by the bug right away.”

Returning to their German heritage, sisters Megan and Jamie will represent Special Olympics USA as Unified partners in volleyball, competing in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. Coached by their mom, Kim Schnee, Megan and Jamie were introduced to the Special Olympics movement long before they could spike a volleyball.

As a competitor, Special Olympics Delaware athlete Brian Perry sources his strength from connections with others. At surface level, swimming is an individual sport, relying on oneself to garner a favorable outcome. Brian recognizes that his selection to represent Special Olympics USA in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 was not a feat accomplished alone. His parents, siblings, friends and coach, Markus Johnson, did their part from the edge of the pool.

Since the start of her Special Olympics career in 2004, Jessy Lane has made the best of every putt, of every round. Now representing Special Olympics USA in golf at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, with Lia as her caddie, Jessy is focused on advancing herself in the sport, consulting her coaches and online resources for direction.

On the open water, Raven Allen is a powerful force. With each stroke, the calamity of a still lake is shattered, her kayak speeding toward a weighted buoy, her finish line. It is a testament to her full-body strength, leaving the competition in her wake. When the Special Olympics Georgia athlete was selected to represent Special Olympics USA in kayaking, those who know her best attest to a strength that extends far below the water’s surface.