The Playmakers

A day full of smiles, connection, and new friendships at Cordova High School ❤️

Our Playmakers had an amazing time out on the football field for a fun-filled sports activity day alongside student athletes from Cordova High. These students took time out of their school day to show up, encourage, participate, and create meaningful connections with their fellow classmates with developmental differences.

Moments like these are what inclusion is all about — building friendships, making memories, and creating a community where everyone belongs.

A huge thank you to Cordova High School for welcoming us onto your campus and to all of the student athletes who helped make the day so special for our Playmakers! 😄🏈☀️

For the third year in a row, we had the honor of bringing The Playmakers to Aberdeen, South Dakota 💙
What started with Carson Leonhardt’s vision to create a camp for kids with developmental differences is now being carried on by Brenner Waldrop, who is doing an incredible job showing his community and fellow student athletes the power of inclusion and the impact one person can make.
With nearly 40 Playmaker kids, 30 amazing student volunteers from Central High School’s football and track teams, and so many local supporters, the day was filled with smiles, connection, and unforgettable moments.
A huge thank you to the Aberdeen Shriners, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who gave up their Saturday morning to support these kids. We couldn’t do this without you. 💫

THIS is what inclusion looks like💚What an incredible day at Mesa Verde High School 🧡🏈📣

Our Playmaker athletes spent the day building confidence, trying new activities, and having fun through sports — all alongside some amazing student volunteers.

A huge thank you to the Mesa Verde High School football team and cheerleading team for showing up with so much kindness, encouragement, and heart. Watching high school students give back to their community and help create an inclusive environment for kids with developmental differences was truly special.

And thank you to Chicago Fire Pizza for donating pizza for our athletes and volunteers! 🍕

Days like this are a reminder that inclusion, community, and kindness matter. 💫

2nd Annual Playmaker Awards Banquet 🏆⚾️💙

A day full of big smiles, proud moments, and well-earned celebrations.

Every trophy and medal tells a story—of courage, growth, and kids who showed up exactly as they are and gave it their all. This season was about more than the game… it was about belonging, confidence, and creating a space where every child gets to shine.

So proud of our Playmakers. This is what it’s all about ✨

For the 5th year in a row, we had the incredible honor of hosting our Playmakers Inclusive Activity Day at MOC-Floyd Valley High School in Orange City, Iowa — and every year reminds us just how powerful community truly is. ❤️
With the leadership of Coach Grant Hegstad and the support of football and cheer athletes, Staples volunteers, Special Olympics partners, and local community business leaders, this day came to life in the best way possible.
125 participants and 50 high school student volunteers came together to move, laugh, learn, and celebrate what inclusion really looks like — connection, encouragement, and belonging for everyone. Watching students step into leadership, friendships form across abilities, and confidence grow throughout the day is why Playmakers exists.
This event is proof that when schools and communities come together, lives are changed — not just for one day, but far beyond it.
We’re so grateful to Orange City for continuing to welcome us year after year. And this is only the beginning… Playmakers events are happening across the country as we keep building spaces where every person is seen, supported, and celebrated. ✨

✨ Introducing Brenner’s Playmakers✨
Meet Brenner Waldrop-a varsity basketball player at Aberdeen Central High School and one of the incredible young leaders who helped bring Playmakers to Aberdeen, South Dakota. Because of his heart for this mission, Brenner invited his JV and varsity basketball teams to volunteer—and they showed up with open hearts, ready to serve and connect. 🥰

Together, we gathered at Allevity Entertainment, where over 150 kids came out to play games, win prizes, and most importantly, build meaningful connections with one another.

A huge thank you to the amazing team at Allevity—an incredible company with staff who truly care about their community and made this event so special. And a heartfelt thank you to the Aberdeen Central High School Basketball program for showing what leadership, kindness, and service look like in action.

We are so proud of Brenner and everyone who made this day such a powerful reminder of what happens when community comes together. 💙🏀✨

Week 2 of Wiffle Ball 🥎🧡💚
Huge shoutout to the Mesa Verde HS cheer team and the incredible athletes from Bella Vista & Ponderosa. Watching these students give up their Saturday morning to show up, play, and genuinely connect was something special. These kids are the reason I truly believe the future is going to be alright🥹

Our very first Playmaker Wiffle Ball event was a HOME RUN ⚾️💛
An incredible turnout, the sweetest kids, and the most amazing volunteers from Mesa Verde HS IG & Varsity Football, Bradshaw Christian, and Arden Middle School. You all showed up BIG and absolutely crushed it.
Honestly brought tears to my eyes 🥹

We’re just getting started…
Next one is THIS SATURDAY at 9:30am
✨ Completely FREE ✨
Click the link in our bio to register!