Sport: Cornhole
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
Abbi has been part of Special Olympics since high school and has competed in a wide variety of sports over the years, including bowling, basketball, track & field, swimming, bocce, softball, and cornhole. Her involvement has helped her grow confidence, build independence, and make friendships that continue to shape her life. “Special Olympics changed my life,” Abbi said. “It helped me get out of my shell and make new friends.”
One of Abbi’s proudest accomplishments is serving as Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Kansas Board of Directors, a role that reflects her leadership, passion, and dedication to the athlete community. She also carries achievements from beyond sports—she was a member of the National Honor Society for two years, completed the police academy, and works at Dove Estates in Goddard, where she is part of the kitchen team.
When Abbi reflects on challenges she has overcome, she highlights learning to stand up for herself and becoming brave and confident in who she is. She credits much of her strength to the people who support her most—her parents, her grandmother, Special Olympics staff, especially Katelyn Andrist, whom Abbi says has inspired her to “be me.”
Outside of competition, Abbi enjoys diamond art, sewing, and painting, and loves helping younger athletes learn sports and build new friendships. She also competed at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, where she represented Kansas in bowling—making the 2026 Games her second national appearance.
Preparing for the upcoming Games means plenty of practice at home with her cornhole set as she looks forward to meeting new friends and sharing her Special Olympics story on the national stage.
Special Olympics Kansas is proud to cheer on Abbi Griswold as she heads to the 2026 USA Games. Her leadership, heart, and determination continue to make her an incredible representative of our community and our state.
