Cavender’s Special Olympics Paper Torch Campaign

Cavender’s is proud to support Special Olympics Texas (SOTX). Since 2015, we have been a steadfast supporter of this organization and have raised over $230,000 in honor of this cause. We are excited to celebrate our 10^th year continuing our partnership and to offer our paper torch campaign in all of Cavender’s 60 Texas locations and online at Cavenders.com/SOTX.

Special Olympic Torches will be available at the check-out counters, and can be purchased in amounts of $1.00, $5.00, and $10.00. All torches can be personalized with the buyer’s name or the name of a loved one they wish to honor. Customers are encouraged to buy as many as they’d like in contribution to this great cause.

In 2023, 60 Cavender’s stores across Texas participated in this campaign, with standout performances from our locations in Beaumont, San Marcos, Houston Gulf Freeway and Midland. We are excited to announce that our Louisiana stores will join this campaign in 2024, and extend their support to Special Olympics Louisiana. 

Special Olympics Texas plays a significant role in the lives of more than 58,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. SOTX provides opportunities for growth and fosters a sense of achievement through quality sports competitions. The funds raised through our campaign are instrumental in supporting these activities and sponsoring athlete participation.

Interview with SOTX Statewide Corporate Relations Director

We spoke with Nia Simmons, Special Olympics Texas Statewide Corporate Relations Director, about SOTX and the importance of Cavender’s paper torch campaign.

Cavender’s: Give us a brief history of SOTX.

Nia Simmons: After Special Olympics was established on a national level in 1968, the nonprofit organization made its way to Texas in 1969 to mark the creation of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX). The first SOTX competition was held in June of that year and since then, the organization has grown significantly. SOTX provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in various Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Today, Special Olympics Texas is divided into four regions with 19 area offices. The organization is responsible for allowing more than 58,000 athletes across Texas the opportunity to participate in sports, leadership and health programming, transition planning, Unified Programs, and much more!

Special Olympics Texas provides these opportunities through their 6 statewide annual events, along with more than 300 competitions throughout the year. Competitions in 22 different sports are offered to athletes, in addition to health and inclusion programs for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities.

C: What SOTX programs does Cavender’s paper torch campaign support?

NS: All funds generated by the Cavender’s Paper Torch Campaign will help support Special Olympics Texas athletes’ experience in sports by providing sports competition and training throughout the Lone Star State. This includes sports competitions at the local, regional, and state level as well as funding programs such as Unified Sports® and Unified Champion Schools®. Additionally, our health initiatives (Special Olympics is the largest health provider in the world for people with intellectual disabilities) are supported by Cavender’s campaign.

C: How are the athletes, coaches, and volunteers affected personally by SOTX programs?

NS: Special Olympics Texas’ sports competitions and programs allow for our athletes to engage in a competitive sports environment learning skills in teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment, and perseverance. The organization’s health and inclusion programs create the opportunity for athletes to become even further connected to their teammates and the community. Their experiences in sport, paired with the learning opportunities presented by SOTX’s inclusion programming, have allowed athletes like Adam San Miguel of Houston, TX the chance to shine both on and off the field. Adam is the perfect example of the impact SOTX programs can have on an individual with intellectual abilities. Adam has been involved with SOTX since he was in high school and, through his participation, he has learned the skills to serve in a professional position for 17 years, as well as represent Special Olympics Texas as a Global Messenger.

C: How have you seen Special Olympics program impact those involved? Change their life and perspective?

NS: Special Olympics Texas has shaped the lives of thousands of athletes and continues to create the opportunity for lifelong friendships to be made. A large number of sports competitions and fundraising opportunities creates the ability for athletes to share their stories with the world in a meaningful way. SOTX gives individuals with intellectual disabilities the chance to experience inclusion and a lifetime of sport and physical activity. SOTX not only impacts the athlete’s ability to participate and spread awareness of the importance of inclusion, but also has allowed hundreds of coaches, volunteers, Unified Partners, and SOTX supporters to be impacted by the athlete’s passion and love. The impact Special Olympics has cannot be measured. It continues to grow and foster the deep friendships and relationships built through SOTX sports programs.

C: How has this paper torch campaign benefitted the organization?

NS: The Cavender’s Paper Torch campaign has supported SOTX athletes and competitions for 8 consecutive summers. The funds raised through the campaign will help support our athletes and their experience with Special Olympics Texas’ sports competitions and events. Furthermore, Cavender’s has been a sponsor for the organization’s equestrian competitions which continue to grow each year. The campaign will increase awareness of the movement towards inclusion and ensure our athletes succeed both on and off the field.

Visit us in Store

Join us in store on Thursday July 18^th from 10am to 12pm. Special Olympic athletes, coaches and law enforcement officers will be visiting stores to meet customers, try on boots and hats, and lend their support to the campaign. With your support we hope to make 2024 our most successful year yet. Together, we hope to change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, one torch at a time.