Catching the spirit
Heartwarming stories of inspiration and inclusion from Oklahoma’s Special Olympics cooperative community
In a world often focused on achievements, accolades and advancements, there lies one dream weekend where true victories are measured in smiles, perseverance and the sheer joy of participation.
Special Olympics Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization that provides not only the annual games, but also year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is part of the global Special Olympics movement, which aims to foster inclusion, acceptance and respect for people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports.
Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives recently received the Special Olympics Oklahoma 2024 Synar Award of Excellence because of the cooperatives’ continued support and volunteerism. Here, we celebrate this honor with three unique voices sharing their journeys filled with inspiration, challenges and an unwavering commitment to community.
A journey of joy
A former “military brat” who found his home as a journeyman lineworker at Cotton Electric Cooperative 17 years ago, T.J. James’ narrative is now marked by the joys of fatherhood. He and his wife Leisa are equally proud of their oldest Meila, son Vander and daughter Piper, a vibrant child whose smile lights up any room.
Piper, affectionately known as “Coconut Pete”, turned four in March. Born with a rare genetic condition (MED 12), Piper faces numerous challenges but never lets them dim her spirit. Piper has thrived and continues to spread happiness wherever she goes.
“She bee-bops around and always has a smile on her face,” James says with a laugh.
She undergoes occupational and speech therapy five days a week, traveling an hour and a half each way from west of Lawton for her sessions. The family designed a t-shirt to help raise funds for her therapy. James recounts the heartwarming moment of seeing someone in Chickasha wearing one of her shirts, a testament to the widespread impact of her story.
Reflecting on his experiences, he emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and understanding.
“A lot of people would rather leave special needs children alone. They may feel awkward talking to them or think they are being polite by giving them space,” James says. “The biggest thing out of Special Olympics weekend is there is no one avoiding them.”
The James’ family involvement with the co-op community and Special Olympics has been transformative. Piper attended the 2024 games not as an athlete, but as a cooperative volunteer. James says it was especially moving how the cooperative family embraced his own.
“We were gathering up for a group picture, and everyone volunteering, people I hadn’t met yet, were shouting ‘Hey Piper!’ and giving her high fives,” James says.
James hopes Special Olympics continues to grow and that the co-op involvement remains steadfast.
“They are so deserving of having this whole weekend just for them,” James says. “In the grand scheme of things, if you take the time to help others you see how the best things in life are bigger than you.”
A legacy of commitment
The Special Olympics volunteering initiative began with a personal touch from one of the cooperatives’ own: Jacob Crabbe.
Crabbe was a spirited kid whose infectious joy and love for sports led him and his father, Don, to the Special Olympics in 1986. Despite his challenges, Jacob embodied a zest for life that inspired everyone.
Don, reflecting on Jacob’s impact, shares, “Jacob’s ability to lift your spirits is a story in itself. He taught me about kindness, tenacity and finding joy in everyday moments.”
For Don, the Special Olympics is more than an event—it’s a family tradition. His son Jacob’s participation in various events, particularly bowling and the softball throw, were a source of immense pride.
Don’s connection to the co-op community is equally strong, having witnessed the commitment and enthusiasm of volunteers over the years. After that first event, Don was working at the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) at the time, and he began to ask employees around the state if they would be willing to volunteer. He was amazed at the response—the very next year, the employees of the electric cooperatives became the largest volunteer group at the games.
“I should have known the employees who provide you with such great electric service would also be willing to help out those with special needs,” Crabbe says.
“Your co-op employees volunteer to coach the little league teams, help out with community fundraisers, teach church classes, serve as troop leaders and a host of other worthwhile endeavors within the communities where they work and live. They are always willing to go beyond the call of duty to help.”
Despite retiring last May, Don’s dedication to the Special Olympics remains unwavering. Jacob passed away in 2007, but his legacy continues.
“I think about him every day. He never had a bad day,” Don shares.
Jacob’s joy in being “made over” by his three sisters, who both adored and playfully teased him, is a cherished memory for Don. This familial bond, coupled with the broader Special Olympics community, underscores the event’s significance.
“How did the rural electric cooperatives come to volunteer? It’s Jacob’s fault!” Crabbe says with a smile.
Finding perspective and purpose
Derek Cain’s introduction to Special Olympics came unexpectedly while working for an insurance office in Tulsa. Like many, he initially volunteered to escape the daily grind but soon found himself captivated by the event’s spirit and the athletes’ determination.
“It just put everything in perspective for me,” Cain, a Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative member recalls. “At the time, I was a young man, focused on climbing the corporate ladder, wanting a big house and a nice car. But seeing the athletes, many with both intellectual and physical disabilities, overcome their obstacles made me realize how fortunate I am. It was very emotional.”
This emotional connection was the catalyst for Cain’s continued involvement. He transitioned from a casual volunteer to a core member of the Green Country Area Volunteer Group, which organizes events in the Tulsa region. More than 20 years ago, a position opened up within Special Olympics Oklahoma, and Cain seized the opportunity, committing himself to the cause full time. He is now the organization’s chief operating officer.
Special Olympics Oklahoma is a volunteer-driven organization. With only 13 staff members, the organization relies heavily on volunteers to conduct over 170 events annually. This model, unique to Oklahoma, ensures that the focus remains on the athletes and their experiences.
“We have some volunteers who have been with us for over 30 years,” Cain notes. “These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our events. Without groups like the electric cooperatives, we couldn’t do what we do.”
As he looks to the future, Cain remains committed to the work.
“It’s bigger than any of us,” he says. “If you take the time to help others, you’ll see so many different sides of life. It shows you how much is needed and how deserving these athletes are of our support.”
As these families and cooperative volunteers continue to dedicate their time and hearts to the Special Olympics, they remind us all of the extraordinary impact of compassion, understanding and unity. In their stories, we find not just inspiration but a call to action—to support, to volunteer and to celebrate every individual.
“Like a lot of things in life, walk a mile in the other person’s shoes,” James says. “You’ll understand it more when you get there.”
Rain or shine
Stacy Howeth, OAEC director of member services, coordinates the co-op volunteer effort each year.
Howeth, her team and longtime volunteers accepted the Synar Award at the 2024 games on behalf of the co-ops.
“Rain or shine we’re there at the finish line,” Howeth says. “As long as athletes want to be there, co-op volunteers will be there. It’s truly life altering.”
Approximately 4,600 athletes participated in the
2024 Special Olympics Oklahoma State Games.
OAEC participation over last three years:
2022 – 115 co-op volunteers
2023 – 150 co-op volunteers
2024 – 160 co-op volunteers
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