"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Contributes $15K

***Photo L-R: Bobbie Gail Smith, Principal Chief Chad Smith, Adrian DeWendt and Derek Cain. Cherokee Nation presents $25,000 to Special Olympics Oklahoma this week in Tulsa.***

TULSA, OK - The Cherokee Nation provided the Special Olympics with $25,000 this week during a special check presentation at the group’s headquarters in Tulsa.

“The athletes in the Special Olympics program are very special people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “This is a great organization that provides wonderful opportunities to the athletes, their families and friends, and to the volunteers. We are honored to be a part of these events.”

Special Olympics is a non-profit organization that provides athletic training and competitive outlets to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. The organization currently serves 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in 180 countries.

According to Special Olympics organizers, children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.

“On behalf of Special Olympics Oklahoma, we’re honored to partner with the Cherokee Nation in reaching more individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Cherokee Nation’s long term support of Special Olympics continues to make a significant impact through the communities that we serve,” said Adrian DeWendt, Special Olympics Executive Director.