From the desk of Bill Fish, President & CEO

March 31, 2025

Dear Special Olympics Minnesota community,

As I reflect on my first three months as CEO, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. These past few months have been nothing short of inspiring, as I’ve had the privilege of attending so many of our incredible events—from Polar Plunges to the Unified Champion Schools State Basketball Tournament to state competitions. The greatest joy has been meeting so many people for the first time, especially our amazing athletes.

One thing has been very clear: being a part of Special Olympics Minnesota is a true joy. Every conversation I have with our athletes, families, coaches and volunteers shows me the deep sense of joy and purpose that unites our community. Together, we are making a meaningful impact and creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Q1 is our Polar Plunge season—our largest annual fundraiser—and this year has been grittier than most. Mother Nature certainly threw us some challenges with extreme cold, high winds, snow and unpredictable ice conditions. But despite these hurdles, our amazing staff and volunteers successfully hosted more than 20 Plunge events across the state. I am in awe of the 20,000 Plungers who braved the elements with a smile on their face. Their commitment fuels our mission and ensures that we can continue to provide life-changing programs for our athletes.

Looking ahead to Q2, we are gearing up for our 2025 Summer Games at the University of Minnesota in June—an exciting preview of what’s to come for the USA Games next year. Our team is working tirelessly to create an epic experience for our athletes, and I encourage you to be a part of it. Whether by volunteering, cheering from the stands or spreading the word, your support makes all the difference.

Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our key volunteers who go above and beyond, event after event. Their dedication makes life better for our athletes, our staff and our entire community. It is truly inspiring to witness the passion that fuels this movement.

Thank you for making Special Olympics Minnesota the incredible organization that it is. I look forward to seeing you all in the months ahead as we continue to grow, compete and celebrate together.

With gratitude,

Bill Fish
President & CEO
Special Olympics Minnesota

In 2024 Bill Fish was named the new CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota, bringing over 30 years of dedication, experience and passion for the mission. Bill’s journey with Special Olympics began in Wisconsin, where he spent 13 years building program initiatives and strengthening community partnerships. He joined Special Olympics Minnesota in 2003 as the Vice President of Development, where he played a key role in transforming the organization’s financial health and expanding its outreach.

Throughout his career, Bill has been inspired by the countless athletes, families, volunteers and supporters who make Special Olympics so special. His favorite memories include watching athletes succeed on and off the field and hearing the moving stories of transformation from athletes and their families. Bill’s unwavering commitment was most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he led the team to develop innovative solutions to keep events like the Polar Plunge safe and engaging.

As CEO, Bill envisions a future where Special Olympics Minnesota reaches even more people with intellectual disabilities, providing life-changing opportunities for inclusion, growth, and achievement. His focus will be on enhancing program quality, improving accessibility and fostering community engagement. With the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games approaching, Bill is excited to elevate SOMN’s impact and ensure the organization continues to thrive. Bill will listen, learn and lead with care, building on a legacy of excellence while creating new possibilities for the future.