Extra Special People Opened New Facility in Rome
The organization has expanded its sports and arts programming for children with disabilities to Rome.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Special Needs
Extra Special People has opened a new facility in Rome to expand its reach. The nonprofit organization provides year-round sports and arts programming for young people living with disabilities.
Why it matters
The organization provides a vital community space where young people with disabilities can feel welcome. For volunteers like Will Bowerman, the work offers a way to give back following his own childhood trauma and recovery.
Founded in 1986, Extra Special People has grown from its original location to now include a site in Rome. The expansion follows the organization's mission to provide arts and sports for children, with the new Rome facility slated for a full renovation.
The players
Extra Special People
This nonprofit organization provides year-round sports and arts programming for children and young people with disabilities.
Will Bowerman
A 17-year-old volunteer who supports the organization after surviving a severe car crash at age 9.
The details
The facility aims to extend the organization's mission of fostering community for young people with disabilities. Volunteers contribute to the daily programming, drawing on their personal experiences to support the participants.
Timeline
Extra Special People was founded in 1986.
Will Bowerman was injured in a car crash at age 9.
The new Rome facility opened in 2026.
Culture Shift
The expansion reflects a growing societal commitment to creating dedicated inclusive spaces for youth with disabilities. This shift moves beyond mainstream integration toward the development of specialized community hubs that cater to unique physical and social needs.
Families in Rome now have increased access to specialized arts and sports programming for children with disabilities. Participants can engage with the new facility as it undergoes renovations to better accommodate their needs.
The takeaway
Volunteering provides a powerful therapeutic outlet for individuals who have navigated their own recovery from significant trauma. Engaging with community organizations helps build a supportive network for both the children served and the volunteers involved.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks in the Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
