Special Olympics Colorado: Empowering Athletes. Inspiring Communities.
At Conexus, we believe strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to belong, grow, and succeed. Through our Conexus Cares program, we partner with nonprofit organizations that make a lasting impact across Colorado, and we’re proud to shine our August spotlight on Special Olympics Colorado.
For more than 55 years, Special Olympics Colorado has been creating opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to discover their strengths, build confidence, and experience the joy of competition, friendship, and inclusion. Their mission extends far beyond sports. They help athletes develop leadership skills, improve their physical and emotional well-being, and become active, valued members of their communities.
More Than a Game
Special Olympics Colorado provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports, serving more than 30,000 athletes throughout the state. Participation is offered at no cost to athletes or their families thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners.
In addition to athletic competition, the organization offers:
- Health screenings and wellness programs
- Inclusive leadership opportunities
- Unified Sports® programs that bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities
- Volunteer and coaching opportunities that strengthen communities across Colorado
Every athlete who takes the field, court, track, or pool reminds us that determination, courage, and teamwork have no limits.
Pulling for a Purpose
One of Special Olympics Colorado’s signature fundraising events is the 2026 Smile Generation Plane Pull presented by United Airlines, taking place on Saturday, August 29 at Denver International Airport.
Teams of 25 compete to pull a United Airlines jet 12 feet across the tarmac, all while raising critical funds that support year-round sports training, competitions, health services, and leadership programs for Special Olympics Colorado athletes. It may be one of Colorado’s most unique fundraising events, but the mission behind it is what truly matters.
This year, we’re excited to once again field our own team, the Conexus Pull Force.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a client, business partner, friend, or family member, we’d love for you to join us in supporting this incredible organization.
Here are three easy ways to get involved:
- Join the Conexus Pull Force and help us pull a United Airlines jet across the tarmac on August 29.
- Make a donation of any amount to support our team’s fundraising efforts.
- Share our team page with your friends, family, and social networks to help spread the word.
Every dollar raised helps Special Olympics Colorado continue providing life-changing opportunities for thousands of athletes across our state.
Support the Conexus Pull Force
Why This Matters to Conexus
Conexus Cares is about more than giving back. It’s about investing in organizations that create opportunities, build stronger communities, and remind us what people can accomplish when they’re supported and included.
Special Olympics Colorado embodies those values every day. Their athletes inspire resilience, determination, teamwork, and joy, and we’re honored to support their mission.
Whether you join our team, make a donation, or simply help spread the word, you’ll be helping ensure that thousands of Colorado athletes continue to have access to programs that change lives.
Together, let’s pull for a purpose. 💙✈️