Blake Jensen

Athlete of the Month

Blake has been competing with Special Olympics Colorado for two years. His journey began when he wanted to play on a big high school football team, and his mom found Special Olympics as the perfect way for him to get involved in sports and be part of a team.

Since then, Blake has become an active athlete, participating in flag football, soccer, and basketball. His favorite sport is basketball, especially because he’s a big Denver Nuggets fan.

Blake’s favorite part about being involved with Special Olympics Colorado is meeting new friends, playing sports, and helping his teammates both on and off the field. Some of Blake’s favorite memories with Special Olympics Colorado come from spending time with friends and teammates.

He is also a member of the Youth Activation Committee (YAC), where he helps promote inclusion and share the importance of youth leadership. He just recently helped plan the 2025 Youth Summit, where he had a great time!

We are excited to recognize Blake as our October Athlete of the Month. Congratulations, Blake!

Michelle Rice

Volunteer of the Month

Michelle has been involved with Special Olympics Colorado for more than 14 years, first as a parent, and then as a dedicated Unified coach and youth mentor at Brighton High School. For the past 12 years, she’s played a key role in growing and coordinating Brighton’s Unified program, making it as easy as possible for others to step in, coach, and make an impact.

What fills Michelle’s cup most is helping others find their place in inclusion. She’s passionate about creating spaces where everyone can thrive and lead in their own way.

For Michelle, the best part of volunteering is watching students empower one another and build truly inclusive communities. “You become what you surround yourself with,” she says, “and when you surround yourself with inclusion, you become inclusive.”

Among her favorite memories is taking the Brighton Unified soccer team to the 2019 USA Games in Seattle. She explained that it was a trip that strengthened bonds and created friendships that are still going strong today.

To anyone thinking about getting involved with Special Olympics, Michelle says, “Go for it! It’s impossible not to leave with a smile and a deeper understanding of an inclusive community where every athlete proves what’s possible when given the chance to shine.”

Congratulations on being recognized as the October Volunteer of the Month, Michelle!!