Why I volunteer with Special Olympics: My daughter Elizabeth
Supporting athletes of all abilities
The thud of bowling balls and the crash of pins are routine in bowling alleys. On Tuesdays, they’re also a source of comfort for UnitedHealthcare employee Jan Storhaug and her daughter, Elizabeth. As part of the local Special Olympics chapter, Jan and Elizabeth join other athletes with disabilities every week to practice their game and build community.
For them, Special Olympics is more than an opportunity to grow in a sport that Elizabeth loves, it’s a chance to find connection, feel empowered and build confidence. As a mom, that’s all Jan could ever ask for.
“It’s just a wonderful space to be in,” Jan said. “They’re our favorite nights of the week because regardless of what's going on at school, at work, you know when you walk in the door that you've got a group of people who are so happy to see you.”
Elizabeth was a fighter since day one. She was born a micropreemie, weighing just 1 pound 11 ounces. Because of that prematurity, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, visual impairments and cognitive delays.
“She’s always had a drive to fight and work hard,” Jan said.
Having the opportunity to be part of Special Olympics, with other athletes who have disabilities, Elizabeth has a safe space to be herself and at the end of the day, feel proud of what she can accomplish.
It’s why Jan jumped at the chance to volunteer through UnitedHealthcare for the upcoming Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. As a presenting sponsor of the June games, UnitedHealthcare will bring a multitude of volunteers to help support the Special Olympics’ mission of inclusion.
“I'm very proud to work at UnitedHealthcare and their commitment to Special Olympics, knowing that they share in the same common mission and vision of Special Olympics,” Jan said. “It makes me feel really good to be at an organization that is committed to working with those who have intellectual disabilities and continuing to advocate for them in our community.”
At the bowling lanes, Jan is everyone’s biggest cheerleader — helping people connect and celebrate every frame. The smiles on Elizabeth’s face as she high fives a friend shows that encouragement is contagious.
“Special Olympics makes me feel good inside,” Elizabeth said. “The people at Special Olympics are my people.”
The Special Olympics USA Games runs from June 21-26 in Minnesota.
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