Athlete highlight: Kendra Busch |
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Hello everyone, my name is Kendra Busch. I'm an athlete from Area 7 and compete with the Milaca Community team. I am 24 years old and a Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) athlete with an intellectual disability. I don’t let my disability define me or stop me from doing the sports or things I love. As a matter of fact, I only focus on part of that word which is ability.
I have been involved with Special Olympics for 7 years. I compete in basketball, track and field, bocce, softball and bowling. I am a Global Messenger and Health Messenger and a member of SOMN's Athlete Leadership Council.
Special Olympics gives me a sense of belonging and it’s somewhere I feel accepted for who I am. Special Olympics has really changed my life because I have made a lot of new friends and been able to play the sports I love. I love being a part of this awesome organization.
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I love being a part of Athlete Leadership because I get to take courses that help me learn new skills and gain a lot of knowledge on a variety of topics. I have taken quite a few leadership classes. The ones I have completed are Beginner and Graduate Global Messenger, Athletes as Coaches, Athletes as Civic Engagement, Career Development, Health and Wellness Ambassadors, Healthy Relationships, Art Expressions, Collaborative Leadership, Health Messenger 10, and Photography 101. Global Messenger was probably my favorite course because since taking it, I am a much better speaker and am less nervous speaking in front of people. That course also helped me step out of my comfort zone and gain a lot more confidence in myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. Taking part in Athlete Leadership has made me become a better and stronger leader.
I am not super involved with the LETR right now, but I would love to start getting more involved with it. I participated in the LETR Torch Run 5K in 2016 that took place during the Summer Games in Apple Valley. I have also participated in my first Polar Plunge which was the 2021 virtual Plunge. I have heard many great things about LETR that now make me want to start doing more things for it. There are two LETR events I hope to help out with in the future which are Tip-A-Cop and the Final Leg.
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The beginning of June was a dream come true! I got to travel with Team Minnesota to Orlando, Florida for the 2022 USA Games! I competed in my first USA Games and the sport I participated in was half-court basketball. I had an amazing time there with my teammates and coaches! A lot of fun was had by all. Me and my team completed a total of 6 games; we won 4 of the 6 games. My team ended up winning our final game of the competition and taking home the gold medal. We played hard and got the gold for our missing teammate, Michelle, who unfortunately wasn't able to be there with us in person at the games.
Some highlights of my USA Games experience include playing the sport I love at the next level, winning the gold, getting interviewed by ESPN, meeting new friends from other states, trading pins with others from different states, and going to Disney World for the first time. My first trip to the USA Games was an experience of a lifetime and I made memories that will last forever. I felt proud and honored being able to represent Team Minnesota!
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Event spotlight: Maplewood LETR Golf Tournament
Thursday, September 8
Oak Marsh Golf Club, Oakdale
The Maplewood Police Department hosts a tournament each fall. It costs $140 per person to play and the event includes 18 holes, cart, dinner, prizes, drawings AND an additional greens fee coupon for Oak Marsh at a later date.
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LETR highlight: Nabil Gubash |
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My name is Nabil Gubash. I am a Sergeant with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office in Elk River. I have been with the office for 16 years and I have spent all 16 actively involved in Special Olympics. I initially became involved as a deputy, running the Final Leg through my county with the Flame of Hope with others from my agency.
As a member of the Sheriff’s Honor Guard unit, I have had the privilege of presenting the colors during the National Anthem at Special Olympics Minnesota tournaments. In 2018, I was approached by my Sheriff who asked if I would be interested in being the LETR coordinator, and I have been actively involved in that capacity ever since.
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I was brought up with a personal appreciation and awareness of those with intellectual disabilities through my relationship with my cousin John, someone who is very dear to me. My family interactions along with many other relationships and experiences over the years have been driving factors in my wanting to participate in opportunities to support such a great cause.
One of my many highlights in the years I have been involved with Special Olympics Minnesota were the times I have had the pleasure and honor of having Special Olympics Minnesota athletes participate in our Torch Run event. Whether receiving the Torch from our adjacent county or running the final stretch during our Leg, the commitment and dedication I see from these athletes inspires and motivates me to want to always improve myself as well as continue to raise awareness for this important and worthwhile initiative.
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My greatest Special Olympics highlight to date was having the recent opportunity to represent Minnesota as a Law Enforcement Torch runner at the USA Games in Florida as well as the privilege of running with Special Olympics athletes from across the country. The interaction with athletes and their families, supporters and sponsors was very impactful and memorable for me.
Hearing personal stories of and from athletes who were once isolated or non-verbal, who have been completely transformed by their experiences and involvement since joining Special Olympics, has affirmed my commitment to contributing and spreading awareness and inclusivity towards this worldwide organization.
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Friday, August 19
Anyone who stops by and donates to SOMN on August 19 will receive a coupon for a free donut or coffee!
Reach out to Cat Jensen if you’re interested in hosting a Dunkin' event.
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Saturday, September 10
MSP Airport
At the Plane Pull, teams of up to 8 people compete to find out who can pull a 23-ton jet the fastest! Join the Public Safety division and prove that you're the strongest agency in Minnesota. Fundraising is required to participate—100% of funds raised supports SOMN athletes.
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Saturday, October 8
Running Aces, Columbus
The Truck Convoy is a 2-day celebration that helps raise money and awareness for SOMN athletes.
Law enforcement is needed to assist with traffic control from 8-11:30 AM. To get involved, email Kathy Karkula or call at 612.840.9660.
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Community engagement
We always enjoy seeing our law enforcement officers at our events and activities. Whether you’re stopping by to watch and cheer on our athletes, bringing guests to introduce them to SOMN, handing out awards or picking up a volunteer shift, your engagement in our mission is always appreciated!
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s coming in August and September. Feel free to pick up a volunteer shift or just stop by! Contact Lou Ann Kelly if you want to sign up for a volunteer shift or if you have any questions.
August 2022
September 2022
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* Special Olympics Minnesota hosts an Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) where athletes provide crucial feedback and ideas for strengthening our mission and organization. Lead by athlete leaders and assisted by SOMN staff, this council gives Special Olympics Minnesota athletes an opportunity to be agents of change in this movement and in their own communities. All visitors are welcome to listen in or participate in the conversation.
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Learn more about the LETR Executive Council
The Minnesota Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is governed by the Executive Council. This group of dedicated individuals utilizes the enthusiasm, support, and resilience of officers throughout the state of Minnesota in their respective roles to advance the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
We meet 6 times per year, most often virtually, and help guide Minnesota’s Special Olympics program. For the small amount of time and effort required, the love and respect you will receive from the athletes can be life-changing.
We have a few openings in some of our regions (northwest and southwest Minnesota) and are looking for law enforcement officers to fill those spots. We are also always looking to fill agency liaison roles.
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Thank you for your commitment and support! |
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