West Virginia Honors Special Olympics Athletes
State Treasurer Larry Pack recognized 22 athletes for their performance at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
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State Treasurer Larry Pack hosted a ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol to honor 22 local athletes. The event celebrated the participants' performance at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games held earlier this year.
Why it matters
The recognition ceremony highlights the accomplishments of athletes from across the state and promotes visibility for inclusive sports programs. It underscores the ongoing collaboration between state offices and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.
State Treasurer Larry Pack presented certificates of recognition to 22 athletes who competed in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The ceremony was organized through a partnership including the WVABLE Savings Program.
The players
Larry Pack
He serves as the West Virginia State Treasurer and oversees the office that hosted the recognition ceremony.
Special Olympics West Virginia
This organization manages sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the state.
WVABLE Savings Program
This state-run program offers tax-advantaged savings accounts to help individuals with disabilities maintain their independence.
The details
The event took place in the Upper Rotunda of the State Capitol in Charleston. Officials from the State Treasurer's Office and Special Olympics West Virginia joined the treasurer to commend the athletes for their dedication and performance.
Timeline
Athletes competed in the Special Olympics USA Games in June 2026.
The recognition ceremony occurred at the State Capitol on October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The involvement of the WVABLE Savings Program in this ceremony illustrates the state's ongoing commitment to the mission of the federal ABLE Act. This aligns with broader societal efforts to integrate financial independence and public recognition for individuals with disabilities.
The ceremony draws attention to resources like the WVABLE Savings Program that are available to West Virginia families. Residents can explore these programs to better understand how to support long-term financial planning for individuals with disabilities.
The takeaway
Recognizing the achievements of local athletes helps foster a more inclusive culture across the state. Families interested in disability advocacy can look into state programs to discover how to support similar initiatives in their own communities.
Further reading
For more on community achievements and state honors, see the latest updates on West Virginia Awards.
More information
Learn more about financial tools for individuals with disabilities on the WVABLE Savings Program website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWK 13 Huntington.
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