Most Impactful Executive Director:
Larry Linthicum, Special Olympics Missouri
When walking into Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) in Jefferson City, guests are instantly greeted by two friendly faces at the front desk. Both are named Grace, both have a heart for customer service, and both are a living testament to the mission of the organization. Larry Linthacum, who has served as president and CEO for the past three years, wouldn’t want it any other way.
“It’s not about me at all,” Larry says. “You surround yourself with great folks; and, at the end of the day, you feel like you’re making a difference. We have a rockstar staff, and I’m blessed to work with so many outstanding individuals that are true ‘difference makers’ who genuinely care about our athletes.”
Special Olympics is the largest sports organization in the world, with a mission to build confidence for those with intellectual disabilities. Each state has its own branch that falls under the worldwide organization. SOMO operates six offices across Missouri — in Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Cape Girardeau, and St. Joseph — with a team of 44 staff mem bers and a 22-member board of directors.
“We have three big goals — increase participation, be the charity of choice in Missouri, and tell our story, including the difference Special Olympics is making in the lives of our athletes,” Larry says. “I’m responsible for making sure we reach those goals.”
Larry notes the positive impact SOMO has on its athletes, including 88% of participants having increased self-confidence. It also increases the life expectancy by 3-5 years for those with intellectual disabilities. The athletes learn important skills that can even help them with employment as 52% of Special Olympics participants are employed compared to 19% across the world. Overall, being involved with Special Olympics helps athletes become confident, productive citizens.
“The Special Olympics has been about inclusion from the very beginning,” Larry emphasizes. “Everyone and every voice matters. It’s about the athletes, and we have a lot of volunteers who make it happen.”
There are also some exciting things ahead for SOMO. Starting next school year, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) will include unified track and field as an emerging sport as MSHSAA member schools voted 301–66 in favor of this designation this year.
Unified track and field is a sport where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on one team. This change is a powerful message of belonging as Missouri athletes with intellectual disabilities will join 47 other states in which the Special Olympics is a part of their state activities association. Currently, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Mississippi are the only states with out Special Olympics as a part of their state activities association. It is these ongoing opportunities that keep Larry energized in his leadership role.
“There is so much divide in the world, but we are doing our part to create synergy in Missouri by growing and working together while building that confidence in athletes,” Larry says. “It’s part of the solution to be in this together. These athletes have had a different road, but it is just as important. We all have strengths.”
SOMO continues to see its numbers grow each year. When Larry started, Missouri was seventh out of nine states in terms of athlete participation when comparing the eight bordering states with Missouri, but it moved into the top five last year. He hopes to keep improving each year, which gives more opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities. Larry’s determination is shared by the SOMO athletes, coaches, volunteers, staff, and board members he works with each day.
“My job is to get folks rowing in the same direction and to carry that torch,” he remarks.