Together We Win

Actively encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in different sports and events is a part of the Special Olympics mission.

Polson High School is proud to be a part of the Special Olympics program, an inclusive initiative that allows students of all abilities to participate in sports throughout the year. This program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships. Kris Kelly has been a dedicated part of the program for the past 12 years, expanding the range of sports available to students. Initially, track and field was the only sport offered, but today students can also participate in basketball, bocce ball, golf, swimming, and bowling. Special Olympics supports students who aren’t able to be on a traditional sports team to still actively participate in sports. It helps with their coordination and understanding of what a team represents. Kelly’s motto is, “If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” It is important to Kelly that the team encourages each other and maintains good sportsmanship.

Special Olympics stands out from other sports because it is not part of the Montana High School Sports Association, which allows them to practice during school hours. Team members only need a physical every three years to participate, and they can participate for their entire lives. However, high school athletes can still earn a letter. To receive a letter, participants must partake in five of the seven sports and make it to the competition. This opportunity allows students a chance to letter in sports of their choice. 

All students are welcome in Special Olympics and there are multiple ways to be involved. These include being a Unified Partner who works alongside another student or a day-of volunteer, which consists of being a timer, referee, or as an adult, running events. Polson Special Olympics is always looking for students and community members alike to participate and help support the teams.  

Kaleb Birdrattler, who has participated for the past three years, said that Special Olympics has proved that he can do much more than he used to. Birdrattler added, “The community is like my brother, my real brother in arms.” 

Tristan Butler, a Unified Partner, says, “I used to be a kid who wouldn’t be involved with anything. It opened up a whole lot of possibilities.” Through these experiences, Special Olympics continues to foster personal growth, inclusivity, and a deep sense of community, showing how sports can transform lives and bring people together.

On February 4, 2025 the team traveled to Helena to take part in a two-day basketball tournament. The trip lasted four days in total. They won all four games they participated in and came back with a gold medal. The game consists of two ten-minute games with a five-minute halftime, and whichever team has the most points wins. Butler said, “Each Unified Partner can only score half as many points as the other athletes score. We can pass the ball and help them out.” 

This year they have seven high school participants with additional middle school students involved with bowling. On February 3, they went to Bigfork and brought home multiple gold and silver medals. In Unified Doubles, three teams received gold. Five contestants placed gold and the sixth athlete placed silver in the Single Ramp category. 

Athletes felt participating in bowling and other activities offered them opportunities to create lasting friendships and build a supportive network that bolstered their competitive drive and personal growth, as they work together to win.