SECC Profile in Giving: Professor Karl Klose is Special Olympics advocate

By Wendy Frost
Director of Communications, College of Business

(Oct. 21, 2009)—When asked why it is important for him to contribute to the State Employee Charitable Campaign, Karl Klose, UTSA professor of microbiology, has two words — Special Olympics.

Klose has seen firsthand the inner workings of this organization. His younger brother Kevin, who has Down syndrome, has been an active participant in Special Olympics, competing in various events such as swimming, track and field, weight lifting, bowling and floor hockey.

“Special Olympics is a great organization,” said Klose. “It provides self confidence and self worth to individuals with disabilities. Almost any sport you can imagine, they participate in. The emphasis is on participating and feeling good about yourself, not winning or losing.”

Klose credits Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, for providing this opportunity for his brother and others throughout the world. Shriver founded Special Olympics in 1968.

“Special Olympics makes a difference in lives,” said Klose. “I encourage everyone to sign up as a volunteer and to experience how much joy it brings to the people who participate. It is really a great thing to experience.”

With sports at the core, Special Olympics is a leader in the field of intellectual disability and the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. With more than 3.1 million athletes and more than 30,000 competitions around the world each year, Special Olympics transforms communities by inspiring people throughout the world to open their minds and celebrate the similarities common to all people.

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Have a heart and take part in UTSA’s 2009 State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC), which runs Oct. 1-31. SECC is the annual workplace giving campaign for State of Texas employees. With a 91-percent participation goal, remember — “We’re not done ‘til we’re 91!”

» Learn more at the UTSA State Employee Charitable Campaign Web site and watch for more stories on UTSA Today.