Nela Polan

Athlete of the Month

Nela has been a proud Special Olympics Colorado athlete for more than 12 years. She began her journey at a young age, playing basketball and trying out a variety of sports. Today, she focuses her athletic energy on snowboarding, her favorite sport, because it’s not only fun, but it challenges her to reach her full potential every time she hits the slopes.

While snowboarding is her main event, Nela spends most of her time giving back as a certified coach. For the past six years, she’s been leading athletes across a variety of sports, helping them grow in skill and confidence. One of her proudest accomplishments was coaching her very own basketball team, an experience that boosted her confidence and showed her the powerful impact she can make in others’ lives.

Nela is also a passionate Athlete Leader and a key member of the Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) for the Western Region. She thrives in leadership roles, where she leads her teammates in drills and stretches, shares her extensive knowledge of wellness and nutrition, and mentors fellow athletes. Through Athlete Leadership, she has taken on roles as a Health Messenger, regional Fitness Captain and graduated from Athlete Leadership University.

For Nela, the best part of Special Olympics is being part of a community that empowers her to be her true self. Whether she’s racing down a mountain, mentoring others, or cheering from the sidelines as a coach, Nela continues to lead with heart, energy, and purpose, making a difference every step of the way.

Congratulations, Nela, on being recognized as the April Athlete of the Month!

Brett Kelly

Volunteer of the Month

Brett’s journey with Special Olympics Colorado began after he moved to the state, but his passion for inclusive sports goes back to high school, where he volunteered with TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities. It was there that he partnered with an athlete to help develop soccer skills and discovered the joy of working one-on-one to support and empower others through sport.

After relocating to Colorado, Brett looked for similar opportunities and quickly connected with Special Olympics Colorado. He started by volunteering at the Young Athletes Learn to Ski event during the State Winter Games, a role he returned to for several years before branching out into a wide variety of sports and competitions across the state.

For Brett, the heart of volunteering lies in building connections with the athletes. He loves helping create a fun, encouraging space where athletes can shine and celebrate the hard work they’ve put into training all year long.

One of his favorite memories? Being the starter for the cycling races at the State Summer Games. Getting the athletes hyped before their races and sending them off toward new personal bests was not only a highlight, it was also impressively efficient, with the event wrapping up ahead of schedule!

Outside of volunteering, Brett is all about staying active and getting outdoors. In the winter, he’s out on the slopes skiing, but in the warmer months, you’ll find him playing pickleball, volleyball, softball, tennis or just about any sport his friends are willing to join in on. He also enjoys hosting board game nights and going on laid-back backpacking trips.

Brett says it’s the people who keep him coming back to Special Olympics Colorado. It’s the kindness and positivity of the staff, coaches, athletes, and fellow volunteers that have made a lasting impact. Their welcoming spirit has turned volunteering into more than just a commitment, it’s become a community he’s proud to be part of.

We are excited to recognize Brett as our April Volunteer of the Month!