Claire Davis

Athlete of the Month

Claire first got involved with Special Olympics Colorado when her family moved to Fort Collins in 2022. Her first event was the Young Athletes Learn to Ski and she’s been hooked ever since! Now, Claire participates in multiple Young Athletes events including, skiing, bowling, golf, ice skating and gymnastics.

Throughout her time with Special Olympics Colorado, Claire has enjoyed trying new sports and getting the opportunity to learn a variety of skills. Her favorite memory was playing basketball at an event over the summer. “She gained a lot of confidence that day from the amazing volunteer coaches,” said Kristen, Claire’s mom.

When Claire isn’t at a Special Olympics event, she enjoys attending weekly gymnastics classes, singing in her school choir, making art, listening to music, hanging out with friends and her PE class.

Congratulations on being recognized as the October Athlete of the Month, Claire!

Karen Schleu

Coach of the Month

Karen has been coaching Special Olympics figure skating for 33 years.  She first got started when the University of Denver (where she was teaching skating) got a call from a group home that wanted to know if we had a Special Olympics skating program.  “We didn’t, at the time, but the University thought we could do it so we started a class,” explained Karen. “The University of Denver has been so accommodating and supportive, we now have a team of thirty-five athletes and volunteers.”

Karen currently only coaches figure skating, but her team trains most of the year. She also had experience coaching gymnastics before the program she coached for moved away.

“I love the day-to-day coaching of our athletes,” said Karen. “I love watching the growth of the athletes on and off the ice and I love the friendships that have developed over the years.” Her favorite memory was taking her daughter and her partner to Alaska as head figure skating coach for USA Games. “It was such a fabulous event and the group from Special Olympics Colorado were the best,” she said.

Overall, Karen loves coaching for Special Olympics Colorado. “I am so grateful that Special Olympics Colorado and the University of Denver allow me to do what I love with so many volunteers, throughout the years, that are dedicated and so kind and caring,” said Karen. “It is such an honor to be involved with such a wonderful organization and to coach such extraordinary athletes.”

Karen has truly made an impact on Special Olympics Colorado and we are excited to recognize her as the October Coach of the Month!