Lights, camera… action! Meet Conner Emmert, a “Gamechang3r” at Special Olympics Virginia. Since fall 2024, Conner has been turning heads across every playing field — competing in bocce, bowling, track & field, basketball and golf.
A graduate of Goochland High School (Class of 2025), Conner is continuing in the post-graduate special education program for two more years, pursuing his passion for sports and other activities. Goochland High is a proud Unified Champion School under the direction of Wes Farkas, where Conner thrives in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Despite incredible personal challenges — including multiple brain surgeries and a spinal fusion — Conner has shown remarkable strength and resilience. His collection of medals is a testament to his hard work and competitive spirit.
This June, Conner takes the spotlight on a national stage as he heads to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. His excitement is contagious — he’s ready to meet athletes from across the country and go for gold on the track in the mini javelin, the 100M and the 4x100.
Join us April 23 at Ashland Theatre, 205 England Street, to celebrate Conner’s journey and get a front-row seat to the story of an athlete whose spirit is larger than life. Don’t miss it — Conner's World one movie premiere you’ll want to see!
Popcorn, candy and drinks will be provided.
Conner's World event schedule:
- 6 pm – Doors open
- 6:30 pm – Premiere + Q&A (featuring Conner and special guests, the GameChang3rs)
- 7:30 pm – Event concludes
Parking information:
Free parking for the Ashland Theatre is located on the street or in several public lots, as noted below and marked in pink dots and blocks on this map. A short walk is likely, so please plan accordingly. The Theatre is marked with a star and the address is 205 England Street / Ashland.
- There are very close parking spaces including accessible parking along Maple and Robinson streets (street beside and behind Theatre)
- Public lot behind the Ashland Library, 201 South Railroad Avenue
- Town Hall lot, 101 Thompson Street
- Parking along Railroad Avenue
- Ashland Downtown Municipal Lot, 109 Hanover Avenue (with some gravel parking behind the building as well)
- Ashland Town Center, between South Taylor and Randolph streets along England Street
- Please abide by signs, but parking in the Ashland Post Office lot after 5 pm (corner of England and Maple streets) should be open
- Street parking throughout the town (dotted pink lines)
Questions:
Please reach out to Holly Claytor at hclaytor@specialolympicsva.org.