July 2022 Change Makers
Rylan Krems
Athlete of the Month
Rylan began competing for Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) 4 years ago when she joined the Spectrum Skyhaws team after high school. She currently competes in softball, flag football, basketball and soccer with Spectrum, as well as alpine skiing with Cherry Creek Alpine. Rylan’s favorite part about Special Olympics Colorado is getting to compete with her friends while also making new friends. “I like that I have friends on my team and friends on other teams. It is fun to see everyone together. I get to see them during each sport season,” she said.
Recently, Rylan had the opportunity to go to Orlando, Florida for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. She represented Team Colorado in soccer with the rest of the Spectrum Skyhawks team. “It was a really great experience,” explained Rylan. “I really enjoyed traveling by myself with the team and meeting the other Special Olympic athletes from other states. I love soccer. It is my favorite sport and I was happy I got to play and represent SOCO.”
Rylan said her favorite part about USA Games was getting to play soccer with her team and going to Disney World.
Great job, Rylan! It was so much fun cheering you and the rest of Team Colorado on at USA Games. Congratulations on being recognized as the July Athlete of the Month!
Safeway/Albertsons
Community Partner of the Month
A special shout-out to our community partner of the month, Safeway! In 10 years of being an annual partner of Special Olympics Colorado, Safeway has generously contributed more than $1 million to support Colorado athletes and families.
Throughout the month of July, Intermountain region Albertsons, Safeway and Lucky stores are hosting a customer giving campaign to benefit Special Olympic athletes. In addition, Safeway is the Male Athlete of the Year sponsor at the Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon. Safeway was also an Award Sponsor at our Annual State Summer Games, providing metals and recognition for all athletes and making sure athletes have healthy options to eat while competing throughout the weekend. Safeway has held numerous in-store bagging challenges featuring Special Olympics Colorado athletes and local celebrities! They also employ many of our athletes, including Erin Holloway, who worked at Safeway for 25 years!
Thank you for your partnership and for making Special Olympics part of the Safeway family.