Hometown: Hays
Sport: Basketball
For more than 30 years, Nelda Owen of Hays has been an active member of Special Olympics Kansas, competing in basketball, track, bowling, volleyball, and, most recently, adding tennis to her sports lineup. This summer, Nelda will take on her biggest athletic challenge yet: representing Kansas in basketball at the 2026 USA Games.
Special Olympics has been a life-changing journey for Nelda. She says it has helped her become more social, build lasting friendships, and grow as a teammate. “I’ve learned how to be more of a team player and to make sure I pass the ball when I’m playing basketball,” Nelda shared.
When she looks back on her Special Olympics career, Nelda is most proud of seeing her teammates succeed in their events. She also credits her mom as her biggest inspiration. “I look up to my mom because she is very supportive of what I do. She always makes me feel better when I’m not feeling great about myself. She is the best!”
Outside of sports, Nelda leads a full life. She works as a housekeeper at the Hampton Inn, enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Milo and Cuddles, and has a passion for crocheting blankets. She’s made four so far! She also loves to sing, often belting out tunes while driving or at home. Recently, Nelda and her husband reached an exciting milestone: purchasing their own home.
For Nelda, attending the USA Games is an incredible honor and a dream come true. “I’ve never been asked to go, and so this will be my first time getting to do something so big. I am very proud of myself for that,” she said. “I’m most excited about getting to watch other athletes and seeing how well they compete.”
Her training includes weekly practices with her basketball team and extra time shooting hoops at the park on her own. With her dedication and team spirit, Nelda is ready to make her mark in Minnesota and proudly represent Kansas.
