Special Olympics is all about sports, and then again, it’s not about sports at all.

When Laura Mullin’s son Jake began the countdown to his 5th birthday last July, Laura wondered where they would find the space to store more toys. Just as she was reorganizing Jake’s room in her head, a light bulb went off. What if, instead of toys and trinkets, Jake asked his friends to bring volleyballs and golf balls – not for Jake, though, but for Special Olympics athletes?

“He has so many toys,” Laura said. “He really didn’t need anything, so we decided this was the perfect chance to do something for the community. This was a chance for us to show Jake how to give back, too.”

So, as thousands of athletes from around the Commonwealth practiced their fall sports, Jake and his older brother, Chris, proudly dropped off a large box full of volleyballs, golf balls and golf tees to Special Olympics Virginia’s Richmond office.

While these gifts will go a long way on the Special Olympics playing fields, they also prove that you don’t have to be a coach, athlete or sports enthusiast to support Special Olympics. You, too, can be like Jake.

Because Jake Mullins, just like Special Olympics, is the way the world should be. Rich in sharing, joy and understanding. A world where all are included. A world where all contribute.

Yes, you, too, can be like Jake. Donate your birthday. Volunteer to Cheer. Plan a Pep Rally. Be a Fan.

For more creative ways to give back and get involved in our program, visit our get involved section.