Gary Brimer sports camp fosters growth and friendships through Special Olympics Missouri

Jefferson City — Growth is the name of the game at the Gary Brimer sports camp with Special Olympics Missouri.

Athletes spend mornings trying sports such as tennis or even powerlifting.

Afternoons are spent in a more recreational fashion with disc golf, kickball, and pickleball.

While sports are the focus the bigger story is between the athletes.

“Watching them from Monday not really knowing anybody in their groups to making that great friendship and it’s all around sports.”, said Camp Director Susan Shaffer.

The sports camp was started in 1997 giving athletes a chance to experience new sports while also learning important life skills. The camp was named after Gary Brimer in 2021 after he passed away in November of 2020 due to a battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on as the spirit of his work is strong today.

“It’s not one single thing it’s just that bond that they make with new friends from across the state. And Gary, who the camp is named after, started it, and wanted that to be the end result. Around sports and when they go to state events for us, they’ve got friends from all over.”, Shaffer expressed.

The athletes have been living in dorms at Lincoln University. Schaffer says this gives them a chance at building skills through independence.

A strong performance here could have a bright future for the athletes competing. They can earn a spot on the Special Olympics Missouri team for the USA Games in 2026.

For now, the camp will continue through Friday with more opportunities for the athletes to have fun.