Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs
When you think of Special Olympics, you may first think of competition, medals and athletic achievement. But for Boerne Blaze Special Olympics, the impact reaches far beyond the playing field.
As the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Nonprofit of the Year, Boerne Blaze is being recognized for the meaningful difference it makes in the lives of local athletes, their families and the broader Boerne community.
Boerne Blaze is the Boerne-based delegation in Area 20 of Special Olympics Texas, supporting more than 85 athletes with cognitive disabilities, ages 6 and up, across more than 10 sports throughout the year. More than 20 coaches help athletes train, compete and grow, all through a completely volunteer-run organization.
But ask the people behind Boerne Blaze what makes the organization special, and the answer goes well beyond sports.
More Than a Sports Program
Boerne Blaze’s mission is to provide local athletes with special needs a safe and supportive environment where they can develop physical and social skills through sports training and events, while also expanding awareness and acceptance throughout the community.
The organization was born out of a simple realization: there were limited opportunities locally for individuals with disabilities to participate, compete and simply be part of the community.
Many of Boerne Blaze’s coaches and volunteers are parents of children with disabilities. Others became involved simply because they have a heart for people with special needs and wanted to help create more opportunities for them to enjoy life and feel included.
Today, that shared commitment has created something much bigger than an athletic program.
“We truly have become a family who cares for all its members,” shared Jenny Cashion, Boerne Blaze Special Olympics Head of Delegation. “We help each other in celebration and in crisis. We provide a place to completely belong and to be accepted as you are…but to help move to be even more.”
That sense of belonging is at the heart of what makes Boerne Blaze unique.
A Community Effort
Boerne Blaze operates with no paid staff and no office. The organization is powered entirely by volunteers and financial donations, with practices made possible through the generosity of Boerne ISD, local churches, Turnverein and the Sisters of the Benedictine, which provide practice venues.
Athlete families, community volunteers and youth organizations such as Young Men’s Service League and National Charity League also play an important role.
The organization receives support from many local community partners, including the Boerne Police Department, Boerne Fire Department, Boerne City Council, Kendall County Commission and Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.
It is a true example of what can happen when an entire community comes together to create opportunities for its neighbors.
Celebrating Athletic Achievement and Personal Growth
Over the years, Boerne Blaze athletes have accomplished remarkable things at the regional, state and national levels.
Two athletes have been named Special Olympics Texas Most Inspirational Athlete in different years, while another was named Athlete of the Year. Boerne Blaze athletes have competed successfully at state swim meets, sent bowling teams to state competition and even taken a unified bowling team to the national level.
But while the medals and awards are certainly worth celebrating, the organization says some of its most meaningful accomplishments happen in moments that may never appear on a scoreboard.
For the Head of Delegation, the proudest moments come from witnessing athletes grow in their abilities, focus and dedication, and seeing them demonstrate sportsmanship and team spirit.
One of those moments came when Adam completed the individual medley at the state swim meet and finished second. However, he was later disqualified because of an infraction involving one of his strokes. When medals were awarded, Adam received a participation ribbon instead.
Rather than being discouraged, he proudly stood on the podium and congratulated the surprised first-place winner.
That moment of sportsmanship captured something far greater than the result of a race.
Determination That Inspires
Another athlete, A., lives with cerebral palsy and spends much of her time in a wheelchair. Yet she swims and competes at the state level.
With a volunteer in the water to provide guidance, A. has continued to build her skills and confidence. During one race, as she approached the end of the lane, the volunteer stepped aside. To the thunderous applause of the crowd, A. independently flipped from her back to her stomach and swam to the wall to finish her race.
Then there is Nayeli, who competes on a three-wheeled adapted bicycle. Her brother runs alongside her as a precaution because of her visual impairment. At a recent regional cycling competition, the weather was cold, windy and rainy. It wasn't easy, and she certainly didn't look like she was enjoying every moment.
But she never quit.
Nayeli crossed the finish line with pride and determination, and earned a gold medal along the way.
These are the moments that illustrate the true impact of Boerne Blaze: creating opportunities for athletes to discover what they can do and giving them a community that celebrates them every step of the way.
The Impact Reaches Beyond the Athletes
Boerne Blaze also changes the lives of the people who volunteer.
Kendall and Allie began volunteering with the organization when they were just 12 and 14 years old. Both were initially timid and hesitant, but as they spent more time with the athletes, they began to see the individuality and potential in every person they met.
Both eventually received Boerne Blaze Athlete of the Year awards and scholarships for their years of selfless service.
Today, Kendall continues to volunteer whenever she is home from college, and Allie plans to do the same. Both are pursuing career paths that will allow them to continue serving people with special needs.
It is a powerful example of how Boerne Blaze doesn't simply develop athletes, it develops advocates, volunteers and future leaders who understand the importance of inclusion and community.
A Quiet Organization Making a Big Impact
Boerne Blaze isn't an organization that seeks the spotlight.
In fact, the organization shared that it does very little advertising and fundraising and has quietly focused its efforts on increasing awareness, acceptance and meaningful change for the people it serves.
That's why receiving the Chamber's Nonprofit of the Year award means so much.
“We are not a flashy organization,” they shared. “Being recognized for the work we have been doing in and for the community means so much to us. This award helps bring Boerne Blaze further into the light in Boerne, and we are truly grateful.”
Looking Toward the Future
Boerne Blaze is continuing to build new partnerships and opportunities in 2026.
Among its plans is a partnership with TBI Warriors for a bike rodeo focused on head injury prevention and helping athletes get properly fitted for cycling helmets.
The organization is also working with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office on the idea of a “guardian angel” program designed to help identify and assist members of the special-needs community in unexpected accidents or missing-person situations.
Several Boerne Blaze coaches and parents also serve on the Boerne Aquaplex Board of Directors, supporting plans for a future 25-meter indoor heated competition pool and a smaller therapy pool; facilities that could create even more opportunities for local athletes.
A Place to Belong
At its core, Boerne Blaze is about far more than competition.
It's about an athlete discovering they can swim farther than they thought possible. It's about a cyclist refusing to quit when the weather turns miserable. It's about congratulating another competitor even when you didn't get the medal you hoped for. It's about a young volunteer discovering a lifelong passion for serving others.
And perhaps most importantly, it's about creating a place where people know they belong.
The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Boerne Blaze Special Olympics as our 2025 Nonprofit of the Year and to celebrate the athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and community partners who make its work possible.
Their impact is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful victories aren't measured in medals, they're measured in confidence, connection, perseverance, compassion and the simple knowledge that you have a community cheering you on.
