Few things are as freeing as sports. They’re a time when someone can let go of their everyday anxieties to focus only on what’s right in front of them- a ball, bow, racket, or even hand. While many view them as nothing more than entertainment, participating in sports can significantly improve an athlete’s internal and external qualities, allowing them to build confidence and become strong leaders. Unfortunately, it is a constant struggle for those with intellectual disabilities to experience the same opportunities as other athletes. Only because of the efforts of organizations like the Special Olympics can these people build a more confident version of themselves by learning what it means to be an Olympian. Through providing access to dozens of sports, they have significantly improved the lives of five million athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
With each step the organization takes to end discrimination, dozens more exist in local areas throughout Minnesota. Shrunk to an even smaller scale, the hundreds of volunteers pushing to fund these events become visible, whose goal is to build a more inclusive community through sports. Dave Stevenson is among these changemakers, helping to bring his love of bobsledding to the Rochester Flyers Special Olympics Team. His rides hosted in February of each year help fundraise money for the athletes while providing them with the experience of being on a horse-drawn bobsled. While this overview offers a glimpse into the impacts people like him make, Dave’s two-decade commitment to the Rochester Special Olympics is illustrated best in the revised interview below. In response to a question to share about himself and his backstory, he provided the following statement.
Dave Stevenson: Before ever moving to the Zumbro Falls community, my family and I always had this idea of settling in the country with a couple of horses. But with our decision to go to southern Minnesota marking our eighth move in just 20 years, we weren’t sure if this dream would ever become a reality. During this sporadic period, my commitment to Del Monte Foods caused us to dart around the Midwest several times to improve the company’s plants. When a job for Seneca Foods didn’t work out, the cycle would have likely continued had it not been for our decision to stay in Zumbro Falls and end the constant cycle of change. Finally, with the encouragement of my middle daughter, we could fulfill our dream of purchasing our first saddle horse.
After this initial buy, I purchased two more mounts from Joyce Atkinson and Gene Krismer, the latter of who mentored me in driving horses alongside Lamar Johnson. One purchase soon led to another, and I eventually owned enough horses to have two teams and begin learning how to drive professionally. While it took a few accidents to catch on, I was soon operating a team of Belgians for annual festivals and building up my expertise as a driver.
Having mastered the ability to operate horses, Dave now helps host bobsled rides for the Rochester Flyers team every winter. With the help of John Davis and his wife Monica to organize the event, they provide Special Olympic athletes as far away as Wells, Minnesota, bobsled rides to help raise money for the organization. Due to the importance of the event, the three always ensure a date with nice weather and plenty of snow for the best bobsledding experience. Free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are available to whoever shows up, a service made possible by the free-will donations of community members. Since Dave’s primary goal is to support the many athletes of Rochester’s Special Olympics team, individual rides are provided rather than a competition between different teams.
“Oftentimes, the athletes prefer to run in the snow when the bobsled is hard to pull. It’s very beautiful when the horses make the snow fly, because if there is a lot, a track is made for them and the bobsleds to ride through.”
When asked what led him to start hosting this event, Dave responded that it provided him a window to talk about horses while offering his services to family and friends. In honor of close buddies, he has also done funerals to give them their “last ride” or offered trips to senior living homes. Red Wing and Hastings are where he next plans to offer rides on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, followed by bobsledding this coming February. Apart from simply showcasing the beautiful nature of Minnesotan communities, Dave’s contributions to the Special Olympics highlight one crucial thing. Everyone deserves a chance to do what uplifts, builds, and inspires them, no matter a person’s so-called limitations. A stern determination and resilience against the societal norm is all it takes to reach what seems impossible. Athletes of the Special Olympics have done this very thing, reshaping their definition and showcasing the persistent spirit inside of them. As the Rochester Flyers has with sports and Dave Stevenson continues with his bobsled rides, these people have discovered what pushes them to be better people. Finding your calling is never easy, but everyone deserves a chance to pick up the phone and make a change.
As we look forward to hosting the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026, an event that will bring 100,000 people to Minnesota, our primary goal is to continue growing our mission and impact. To do this, we must expand our coaching network. More coaches mean more opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, build meaningful relationships and experience the joy of sports. We invite you to consider becoming a coach or encouraging others to join our coaching community. Our volunteer coaches are essential to the success of our athletes.
Special Olympics is a movement happening 365 days a year. We host nearly 100 events every year that range from sports competitions to inclusive health fairs to the Polar Plunge and more!
Special Olympics is for everyone. Our programs are available for all ages and all abilities. This inclusive movement is made up of many roles: volunteers, coaches, team assistants, athletes, Unified partners and more! While sports are at the core of Special Olympics Minnesota’s mission, we also provide health & wellness, leadership, and school programs that focus on community inclusion.
Special Olympics events are competitive and athletes train and compete in sports to showcase their skills, abilities, and determination. We foster an environment of fair competition, allowing athletes to challenge themselves and strive for personal bests. Athletes earn awards for placing in 1st-8th place.
