Community

The Eull Family

Steven has dedicated 33 years to training and competing in Special Olympics. As a member of The Flames team, he participated in ten different sports throughout the year. In June, Steven competed in golf at the USA Games, marking his second time representing Minnesota at the event. His extended family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins, actively volunteered with Special Olympics. Steven was joined by his mom, Patsy, who had been a volunteer for more than 30 years and served as the Head of Delegation for The Flames, as well as his Uncle Mark and Aunt Karin, who had coached for 29 years and led the golf, downhill skiing, and pickleball teams.

Date Honored: May 23, 2026

The Stankevitz Family

The Stankevitz family has been involved with Special Olympics Minnesota for 13 years! Jacob and Anna have been playing sports with the Orono Unified and North Shore gymnastics teams. Sports over the years include football, cheerleading, basketball, dance, bowling, track and field, soccer, snowshoeing, bocce, gymnastics and cornhole. Jenni coaches the Orono community and North Shore teams including bowling, bocce, snowshoeing, cornhole and gymnastics. Jacob attended the USA games in Seattle in 2018. Anna attended the USA games in Orlando in 2022, and both Jacob and Jenni are part of Team Minnesota at the USA games here in MN this past June! Their favorite part of Special Olympics is the friendships and community that have been created with some of the most wonderful people we have ever met! Special Olympics has provided their family with rich experiences that have helped them become the people they are today. They are forever grateful for all the volunteers and donors that make these amazing and life changing opportunities possible!

Date Honored: May 10, 2026

The Earnhart Family

Isabella and Angel Ernhart had been proud participants in Special Olympics Unified Sports for the previous two years, competing in flag football, soccer, bowling, and basketball—and even taking on the Polar Plunge!

This summer, they both represented Team Minnesota at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Angel competed as an athlete on the Interscholastic Unified Basketball Team with Watertown-Mayer High School. Isabella took part in the Youth Leadership Experience, helping elevate athlete voices and inclusion throughout the Games. Through Unified Sports, Special Olympics helped them grow in confidence, build friendships, and stay active year-round. The Ernhart family proudly supported practices, competitions, and Special Olympics events throughout the year. They were excited to cheer on the rest of Team Minnesota during the Games.

Date Honored: April 18, 2026

The Busch Family

Kendra has been involved in Special Olympics for 11 years and is a multi-sport athlete. She competes in basketball, track and field, bocce ball, softball, soccer, bowling, cornhole, poly hockey, and snowshoeing. Besides competing, she is an athlete leader, Global Messenger, Health Messenger, and a Fitness Captain. She is excited to be representing Team Minnesota at the 2026 USA Games this June competing in Soccer. The Busch family supports Kendra and her team at practices and competitions year-round. They can't wait to cheer on Kendra and the rest of team Minnesota this summer!

Date Honored: March 22, 2026

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