Sports

March 12, 2025

The Impact of Special Olympics in Minnesota

The Special Olympics Minnesota State Poly Hockey and Powerlifting Competition was held on March 8 and 9, 2025 at Stillwater High School, and it showcased the talents of Special Olympics athletes from across the state. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into the largest sports program globally, empowering over 4.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. This state tournament celebrated not just competition but friendship and good sportsmanship. Athletes Ann and Trent emphasize the joy of being in community, and Minnesota Special Olympics senior program manager Emily Carr discusses the many benefits of sports. Looking ahead, Minnesota will host the Special Olympics USA Games in June 2026, attracting 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers, shining a light on the strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities. [Read Transcript...]

October 24, 2024

Mike O’Dowd: Middleweight Champion

Born in St. Paul on March 10, 1895, Mike O’Dowd was a complete fighter known for his skills, toughness, and endurance in the ring. Over his 11-year career, he faced 117 opponents, losing by knockout only once. [Read Transcript...]

December 20, 2023

“Billy” Williams

William Frank “Billy” Williams, born in St. Paul in 1877, gained recognition as a skilled Twin Cities baseball player. Throughout his career, Williams played for over 20 teams in Minnesota and Wisconsin, earning a reputation as one of the early African-American sluggers in baseball. Here’s Autumn Haeg [Read Transcript...]

September 15, 2023

Dan Patch Breaks the World Record

Dan Patch was the greatest athlete in the country. Now the standardbred horse was going to make it official by breaking the world record for harness racing. [Read Transcript...]