BEMIDJI — There are so many ways to get involved in your community. Jodi Sandmeyer and her daughter Kristen find joy in Special Olympics.
"Everybody walks away with a smile. Everybody has that opportunity to succeed ... and I love the smiles every time," Jodi said in a recent Bright Spot conversation on the KAXE Morning Show.
There's extra reason to smile right now, as Bemidji athlete Katie Fellows and unified partner Lisa Kiewatt are headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities to compete with their bowling team.
Jodi and Kristen will work up to 13 hours each day as volunteers at the games. Jodi has been involved as a Special Olympics volunteer and coach for the last 43 years. She said there is always a need for more volunteers in the Bemidji area.
"We offer a variety of sports throughout the year, whether it's track or swimming or bowling and softball. There are some other sports we used to offer, but due to coaching shortages, we can't anymore," Jodi said.
Volunteer opportunities range from helping for an entire season to pitching in for one day.
The Special Olympics USA Games are every four years, and this is the first time they'll be in the Twin Cities. Most events will be at the University of Minnesota, with soccer and bowling happening in Blaine. The opening ceremony is Saturday, June 20, and the games end on Friday, June 26.
An easy way to show your support for Katie and Lisa is to show up at a send-off event starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at Lucky Dogs in downtown Bemidji. There will be celebration and speakers before the gathering moves across the street to the Paul and Babe statues at 12:30 p.m.
Listen to our full conversation with Jodi and Kristen to hear more details about the USA Games and how a wet hug from a swimmer just out of the pool can be the best feeling.
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The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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