When Jayne Scott is asked how SOOR has altered the life of her daughter Carly and inspired friendships throughout the years, her answer provokes tears. 



“It’s everything! Carly is a very sociable person, and she loves hugs and high-fives. She’s made great friends, not just with her peers, but with referees, volunteers, and coaches. They all bring such enthusiasm. My girl lives off enthusiasm!” 

Carly is a multi-sport athlete for Special Olympics Oregon, with bowling being her absolute favorite. She’s been bowling since she was 8 years old and is often seen carrying her black and pink bag into bowling alleys. 

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“I’ve made special friends bowling, our team’s name is ‘Pin Buddies!”

- Carly Scott

“If you feel it in your heart, you can’t go wrong getting involved with Special Olympics Oregon. You can start light and volunteer. And it’s good to remember that not every single person wants or needs help. Sometimes they just want a friend to help get through this life together. If you have an opportunity to lift someone else up, say yes.”

- Sarah Ufer

Want to witness unmatched enthusiasm? Meet Sarah Ufer! 

Sarah is currently an undergraduate in the College of Business at Pacific University, studying management, marketing, and finance, with a minor in disability studies. Oh, and she’s President of the Unified Sports Club for SOOR, and a resident assistant to boot! 



Her passion for Special Olympics Oregon soars past idle interest. And there is one athlete that is near and dear to her, to the point where they see each other weekly, or as often as possible, even with her away at college. 

“Skylar and I met in high school, when I was a peer mentor, which is an awesome opportunity for high school students. He was in the special education classroom,” she said, “I had to work my way up to get to be in that classroom, which was my goal. I like the high-needs community and always wanted to get into that space. Once I started volunteering there, I found my tribe! I immediately felt at home. Skylar – I was struck by his zest for life. When his caregiver (needed a break), I’d just go run with him!” 

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Special Olympics Oregon is propelled each year by the valuable partners that support in numerous ways. One partner stands on that stage this month in the biggest way possible, and that is Jersey Mike’s. 

Jersey Mike’s just concluded their Day and Month of Giving for Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR), where donations were gifted throughout the month with specialty purchases, and 100% of sales…not profit but SALES…in all participating stores were donated to Special Olympics Oregon on Wednesday, March 27^th raising a total of over $380,000! 

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“The partnership we have going is very meaningful, and we’ re excited to continue it. We like to be part of something where you see the impact. Especially coming from where SOOR was years ago. Bringing Fall State Games back. Bringing Summer State Games back. The love for the brand is fantastic. Knowing we’ve had an impact adds to the emotional bank for sure.”

- Logan Munden, Jersey Mike's Subs

Welcome to the SOOR family Kelly!

Kelly Saviers joined the Special Olympics Oregon finance team serving as the organization’s Accounting Specialist. While not at work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her three boys. Two of the boys are in college while the third son is attending middle school. Kelly married her high school sweetheart and has been happily married for 15 years. The family enjoys going camping and on adventures around the Pacific Northwest. The family is rounded out by 3 crazy cats Hank, Lucifer, & Zuko. Kelly is thankful for being a part of the SOOR family.  

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