Organizational Change for Special Olympics Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : June 22, 2017

AUSTIN – After 22 years of service to Special Olympics Texas, Margaret Larsen’s last day as President and CEO of Special Olympics Texas was June 19, 2017. 

Suzanne Anderson, SOTX Senior Vice President of Field Services, has been named the interim CEO until a permanent CEO is named. 

Larsen joined Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) in 1995, growing the organization to provide athletic opportunities to more than 58,000 people with intellectual disabilities across the state of Texas. 

While leading SOTX, Larsen formed a first-of-its-kind committee that included people with intellectual disabilities and focused on the proper terminology and respectful language to use when discussing and referring to people with intellectual disabilities. The committee’s “R-Word” public awareness campaign gained national attention and recognition and spurred legislation in many states to remove the term “mental retardation” from state and federal laws. 

“We appreciate Margaret’s many contributions to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, both here in Texas and around the world. Under her leadership, Special Olympics Texas became one of the most respected Special Olympics Programs in the movement,” said Chad Tywater, the Chair of the Special Olympics Texas Board of Directors. 

Larsen started a national legislative effort by Special Olympics Inc. that each year brings hundreds of athletes, family members, coaches and volunteers to Washington, D.C., to meet with their states’ elected representatives. The Hill Day effort helps raise awareness of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the challenges they and their families face.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tela Goodwin Mange – Vice President for Communications, Special Olympics Texas
800.876.5646, ext. 2928 (office); 512.589.7209 (cell – media only); tmange@sotx.org

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.