Jacob Bennett has played in 4 different sports with Special Olympics Kentucky (SOKY) with over 20 years of experience. He now will be sharing the benefits the program has done as an Athlete Ambassador.
Bennett has played flag football, basketball, softball, and track and field over the years, and he said it has provided him with benefits throughout the entire experience.
“It’s been great for both me and my brother. They’re pretty much our friends and family because of how long my brother and I have been involved with Special Olympics,” Bennett said.
He said basketball is his favorite sport to compete in, but he’d rather not have to choose because everything has benefited him.
After playing for 23 years, he said he wanted to apply for the ambassador position. As an Athlete Ambassador, according to their website, the Athlete Leaders become committee and board members and serve on the SOKY sport development team.
They do this by representing SOKY at fundraisers, sponsor visits, school/business presentations, receptions, and other events.
With his experience, Bennett said that It seemed like the next natural progression for him, so when the call came, he was excited.
“I’m excited about the travel; that’s no big deal for me. I’ve been playing for 23 years, so it feels appropriate. I’m basically a veteran when it comes to Special Olympics,” Bennett said.
Bennett has been volunteering at the YMCA for the last two years but has been a routine member for many years. Bennett helps with projects and other tasks at the Y as the resident “handyman,” he said.
The YMCA is also a routine partner with the Special Olympics’ swimming contests during the spring.
YMCA’s Director of Administration and Volunteerism Brigitta Adkins said they’re excited for Bennett to share the importance of SOKY with Kentucky.
“We’re just excited and proud for Jacob to have this new role and represent for Special Olympics and that he’s one of us,” Adkins said.
