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For the last 50 years, Special Olympics Minnesota has championed inclusion by promoting social change for people with intellectual disabilities in athletic, health, and school programs. Their work has touched lives across the North Star State, making Minnesota a more equitable and inclusive place in meaningful ways.

To celebrate these phenomenal Special Olympics athletes and their families, Red Baron Pizza and Minnesota United have teamed up to honor these athletes and family members as the Red Baron Family of the Game. Together we are able to share something awesome and champion change in our communities. Check out some of our past honorees' stories below.

Past Honorees

Kayla Rademacher

Kayla is an athlete with the Wild West Special Olympics team in Waconia. She plays golf, bocce ball, bowling, and poly hockey. This fall, she’ll be trying flag football for the first time! Off the field, Kayla loves arts and crafts, spending time with her pets, family, and friends, and she is a big fan of soccer and MNUFC!

Date Honored: September 20, 2025

The Neal Family

Katie Neal is in her first year volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota and will serve as medical staff for Team Minnesota at the 2026 USA Games. She’s is a mom of four and also a pediatric hospice nurse, caring for medically complex children while their families get much-needed rest. Inspired by the strength, courage, and spirit of Special Olympics athletes, Katie is excited to support them as they go for gold and have a ton of fun in June of 2026.

Date Honored: August 10, 2025

The Holmgren Family

Mikayla is a three-sport Special Olympian competing in gymnastics, golf, and most recently track and field, representing Minnesota in the USA Games. She is the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a state Miss USA pageant and audition for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and was named one of People magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America.” A dancer for 24 years, Mikayla choreographs her own routines and performs nationwide. She’s a global ambassador for Best Buddies and a proud voice for inclusion.

Date Honored: July 16, 2025

The Frahm Family

Mark Frahm is an athlete with the Wild West delegation based in Waconia, Minnesota, where he participates in bowling year-round. His mom, Anna, is a lead volunteer for the team and helps organize over 12 sports seasons a year for the 80 athletes on the Wild West. The Frahm family has been involved with Special Olympics for over 10 years and plans to continue their involvement for many years to come!

Date Honored: July 12, 2025

The Rogers Family

Kelly Rogers has been volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota as an asl interpreter for 25 years and she’s been a passionate supporter ever since, even serving as team nurse at the USA games. she’s excited to serve again when the games come to Minnesota in 2026. Her husband Luke, a prosthetist and orthotist, also volunteers, using his skills with the fit feet program as the clinical director, providing care for athletes at events across the country.

Date Honored: June 25, 2025

Krista and Carol

Krista is a farm worker at equality pathways for potential and a four-sport athlete who’s been competing with Special Olympics Minnesota for 26 years. She plays poly hockey, basketball, golf, and bowling—and she’s been invited to golf in the 2026 USA Games right here in Minnesota! Her mom, Carol, is a dental hygienist and educator who founded the Special Smiles Program in Minnesota in 2000. She’s volunteered with Special Olympics for 25 years and has brought smiles to athletes around the world.

Date Honored: May 10, 2025

Shelby Eisenschenk, Janeel Denson-Byers, and Lisa Edelbrock

Shelby has been with the St. Cloud wolves for over 20 years, competing in swimming, floor hockey, and many other sports. he serves as a law enforcement torch run ambassador and won two golds and a bronze at the 2022 special Olympics USA games. Shelby’s nonverbal but his joy and laughter light up every room. Janeel has been with the wolves for five years, excelling in floor hockey, bowling, and more. she’s also an athlete leader and fitness captain, always encouraging her teammates to do their best. Lisa has coached for over 20 years and is the head of delegation for the wolves, organizing and leading the team. She has coached at the USA games and loves helping athletes reach their full potential.

Date Honored: April 19, 2025

The Kennedy Family

Ian has been competing with the Hastings Sharks since he was eight years old and, 26 years later, he's still going strong in sports like snowshoeing, swimming, bocce ball, golf, and bowling. His family is all in – Ian’s mom, Lisa, is his unified partner in bocce; his brother, Tom, partners with him in golf; and his dad, Ray, coaches and manages events for Special Olympics Minnesota. Ray also coaches the MNUFC Special Olympics Unified team and will be the Soccer Director for the 2026 USA Games. The Kennedys have raised awareness and funds for Special Olympics by participating in the Polar Plunge for over 20 years.

Date Honored: March 1, 2025