Emily's Corner
Hi, my name is Emily, and I’m from Richmond, Virginia. I’ve been part of Special Olympics since 2011 as an athlete, Global Messenger, and staff member with Special Olympics Virginia. My favorite part of Special Olympics is that it helps us find our way and become the leaders we were born to be. Special Olympics has given me purpose by allowing me to help others grow into themselves and find their voice. Emily’s Corner is a space I created as an athlete, for other athletes, to find upcoming leadership opportunities and state-level activations in one easy place. It’s here to help fellow athletes find ways to get involved, build skills, and step into leadership across our state. My goal is to help you find your voice, build confidence, and take the next step in your leadership journey.
Athlete Highlights
Conner's World
Conner Emmert is headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, representing Team Virginia in the mini javelin, 100M, and 4x100 relay. A 2025 graduate of Goochland High School, Conner competes year-round in bocce, bowling, track and field, basketball, and golf. His path to this moment hasn’t been simple. After multiple brain surgeries and a spinal fusion, getting here wasn’t guaranteed. This film follows Conner in the lead-up to the USA Games, offering a look into his day-to-day life, his preparation, and the world around him.
On Now
On Now
On Now
On Now
On Now
Upcoming Opportunities
2026 Texas Roadhouse Tip-A-Cop Campaign
Join the 2026 Texas Roadhouse Tip-A-Cop Campaign Activation. This campaign brings together a good cause, great food, dedicated law enforcement officers, athletes, and the community for a fun night. Officers and athletes will work together by delivering rolls and sometimes meals, refilling drinks, and sharing about Special Olympics Virginia. They will collect “tips” as donations.
If you're interested, please click the link and pick your location and date. Spots are limited and first come, first served.
*Sign up link available soon
If you're interested, please click the link and pick your location and date. Spots are limited and first come, first served.
*Sign up link available soon
Southwest Plane Pull – Athlete Coach
As we get ready for this year’s event on Sept 26 at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, we invite you to join the Athlete Coach team.
As a Coach, you will:
As a Coach, you will:
- Welcome teams
- Help bring energy and excitement
- Help a team pull the plane if you want (optional)
*Sign up link available soon
Dulles Plane Pull – Athlete Coach
Join us on Aug 22 at Washington Dulles International Airport as part of the Athlete Coach team.
In this role, you will:
In this role, you will:
- Greet teams when they arrive
- Cheer them on during their pull
- Help create a fun and welcoming space
- You can help pull the plane if you choose
*For more information contact Aliza Tekavec
Summer Games Tour Guide Opportunity
We are excited to offer a special role at Summer Games on Saturday, June 6.
As a Tour Guide, you will:
This is open to all athletes. By sharing your story, you help others understand Special Olympics.
*For more information contact Aliza Tekavec
As a Tour Guide, you will:
- Be paired with a Young Professionals Board member or staff
- Lead short walking or rolling tours
- Show areas like Healthy Athletes, Olympic Town, and track & field
This is open to all athletes. By sharing your story, you help others understand Special Olympics.
*For more information contact Aliza Tekavec
Running on Dunkin’ Campaign – April 2026
Special Olympics Virginia will be running on Dunkin’ May 5–18 at select Virginia locations. Law enforcement officers and athletes are needed for location visits during the 2 weeks of the campaign at participating locations.
*To sign up, click here.
*To sign up, click here.
Dear Athlete's,
Nathon Horton is a Special Olympics Virginia athlete, Global Messenger, and Board member.
He wants to know what you think about Special Olympics. Please take his survey to help us be able to help you better. It's short, and simple. This will help us greatly!
Your Friend,
Emily Bower
Nathon Horton is a Special Olympics Virginia athlete, Global Messenger, and Board member.
He wants to know what you think about Special Olympics. Please take his survey to help us be able to help you better. It's short, and simple. This will help us greatly!
Your Friend,
Emily Bower
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
Helen Keller
From Athlete to Athlete to the Board of Directors, Emily Bower and Nathon Horton are helping ensure athlete voices shape the future of Special Olympics Virginia.
Have something to share?
Nathon welcomes messages from athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers at nhorton@specialolympicsva.org
Have something to share?
Nathon welcomes messages from athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers at nhorton@specialolympicsva.org