Article by Hannah Olson | Photo courtesy of Special Olympics

This May, the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games return to Billings, bringing together over 1,000 athletes from statewide. For these athletes, Special Olympics is more than just competition; it’s where they find strength, friendship, and confidence. 

Few embody the spirit of Special Olympics Montana more than Anna Vanderwende, this year’s Athlete Emcee for the Opening Ceremony. Anna’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of finding a community where she belongs. 

A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE 

Anna was born in Russia and faced adversity before entering the world. Her birth mother drank heavily during pregnancy and attempted to chemically abort her. Against all odds, Anna survived and was placed in an orphanage before being adopted at two and a half years old. She moved to Alaska with her adoptive family before settling in Bozeman, where she spent most of her childhood. Three years ago, she relocated to Billings, where she found new opportunities through Special Olympics. "I overcame a lot," Anna says. "They thought I was going to need a lot of help, but I did a lot of therapies and stuff like that." 

Despite her challenges, Anna has built a life full of purpose. She works at Billings Clinic delivering food trays, participates in a day program at COR Enterprises, and keeps busy with numerous sports and community events. "I like to be busy," she shares, “and with Special Olympics, I keep very busy!"

A PLACE TO BELONG 

Before discovering Special Olympics, Anna struggled to find where she fit in. "Before doing Special Olympics, I kind of felt like a little bit of a lost cause," she admits. "Once I started doing Special Olympics, I felt like I fit somewhere." Special Olympics provided her with more than just a team; it gave her a family. Through sports, leadership training, and advocacy opportunities, she has found a place where she is valued, supported, and encouraged. "Special Olympics, it's given me a purpose and a way to feel accepted." 

One of her favorite experiences has been participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, where she carried the torch into Bozeman. Anna explains, "After being in Special Olympics, I view police officers so differently. It’s eye-opening to see how much they do for us as athletes. Getting a medal from an officer means so much!"

THRIVING IN COMPETITION 

Anna competes in soccer, basketball, floor hockey, skiing, and track and field. She excels in track events like the relay, shot put, and turbo javelin, and hopes to see pickleball added to the official list of Special Olympics sports. However, soccer remains her favorite. 

Beyond competition, she has stepped into leadership roles, serving as an athlete board representative and completing the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Training. Now, she’s preparing for her biggest leadership role yet, serving as the Athlete Emcee for this year’s Opening Ceremony. 

For Anna, Special Olympics is not about limitations but about potential. "With Special Olympics, it's not what you can't do; it's about what you can do." 

THE POWER OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS 

Special Olympics Montana empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, leadership, and community engagement. The annual State Summer Games allow athletes to compete with pride and form lasting friendships. 

The impact goes far beyond medals. Athletes gain confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose. They learn teamwork, perseverance, and the value of hard work, skills that translate into every aspect of their lives. "When you win a medal, it's just an exciting feeling... you work towards something," Anna shares. 

The upcoming Billings games will be held May 14-16 at venues across the city, including Rocky Mountain College, MSU Billings, MetraPark, and Lockwood High School. The Opening Ceremony, where Anna will take the stage as emcee, will be held at MetraPark on May 14th at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and promises to celebrate inclusion, perseverance, and community spirit.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT 

Anna’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of Special Olympics. It is an organization that builds athletes, leaders, and role models. Once a child who struggled to find acceptance, she is now a confident young woman inspiring others to embrace their abilities. "We’re always looking for people," she says, encouraging more athletes and volunteers to get involved. 

Special Olympics Montana thrives because of the dedication of its athletes, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you want to compete, coach, or simply lend a helping hand, this organization has a place for you. 

This May, come witness the power of inclusion at the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games. Cheer on athletes like Anna, celebrate their achievements, and be part of a community that believes in every individual's limitless potential. 

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.somt.org

Originally printed in the May 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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