My name is Nela Polan. At present my roles in SOCO are:

1) certified coach
2) a regional fitness captain
3) Health messenger
4) on Athlete Leadership Council
5) on the games committee for Regional and for State games
6) I represented the State of Colorado Special Olympics at the SONO conference.

As a coach, I listen and pay attention to my athletes and what they need. I am open to learning new skills and new ideas. I am dependable and show up when I need to be somewhere. When I am needed to be an athlete, I can be flexible and give up the coach position and be an athlete. I always help out when needed and sometimes I see the need and move ahead without being asked. I have worked my job at the veterinary clinic for 17 years. I clean and help out the vet techs as needed. I help maintain the grounds at my Church and I volunteer a half day a week at the Community food bank. I served on an advisory board for Anschutz Medical Center on healthcare for people with disabilities in rural communities. I graduated from Athletic Leadership University a couple of years ago and have co-taught classes for the Leadership University. I have been selected to coach track and field for Team Colorado at the 2026 USA Summer Games.