Special Olympics Missouri announced new partnerships Wednesday at the MU Recreation Complex.
The new team includes the University of Missouri, MU Health Care the University of Missouri System.
Through the partnership, Special Olympics Missouri can utilize resources the university groups offer around the state.
Brian Neuner, chief developmen and marketing officer of Special Olympics Missouri, said that the shared missions of providing education and preparing people for the future are important in making the partnership possible.
“Chancellor Cartwright strives for an inclusive environment," Neuner said. "Special Olympics as a whole has declared a revolution on inclusion. And we focus on abilities, not disabilities.”
MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said that the decision to partner with Special Olympics Missouri reinforces the commitment of the University of Missouri in stressing accessibility and inclusion for all.
"You need to have a different viewpoint because if you get a bunch of people together who are just like me, we are going to have the same solution and it may not be the right solution," Cartwright said.
Columbia is set to host the Special Olympics State Summer Games in 2020.