Special Olympics Idaho

Special Olympics Idaho has established itself as a leader in empowering women, particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are often overlooked in equity conversations. Women hold 75% of leadership positions within the organization, including the president and CEO role, and the entire Northwest region of Special Olympics is led by women.

“My commitment is to ensure that when marginalized women are discussed, women with IDD are included — seen, heard and represented,” said Kristi Kraft, president and CEO of Special Olympics Idaho.

The organization serves an estimated 800 to 1,000 women and girls with intellectual disabilities annually through sports programs, health screenings and leadership training. Two women with IDD serve as voting members on the board of directors, ensuring their lived experiences guide organizational decisions.

Special Olympics Idaho has selected eight women athlete leaders to serve as statewide ambassadors. These women receive extensive mentorship, including national leadership academies, training to serve as health educators, and opportunities to advocate before Congress in Washington, D.C. They co-emcee major statewide events and serve as standardized patients for Idaho medical students.

The organization’s Healthy Athletes program provides preventive care to approximately 300 to 400 women annually. Women make up an estimated 40% of all athlete leaders who receive training in public speaking, advocacy and leadership skills.

Future goals include expanding all-women sports opportunities statewide and strengthening athlete leadership programs in schools to ensure female athletes have early access to advocacy training and public speaking development.