Special Olympics Indiana — Dubois County on Monday recognized the Bauer family as its 2025 Family of the Year, honoring Kent, Michelle and Josh Bauer for sustained volunteerism and leadership that helped build the county program since its inception. The award acknowledges the family’s decades-long contributions in coaching, administration, fundraising and athlete engagement that have supported athletes and families across Dubois County.

The county program traces its local roots to 2001, when athletes including Josh began participating; Josh has remained involved as an athlete and as a volunteer and community participant for more than 24 years. Michelle has served as volunteer coordinator and led fundraising efforts that underpin local competitions and athlete services, while Kent has held the position of treasurer and coached track and field and bowling teams. Together, their roles have combined operational, financial and on-the-ground support that keeps events running and accessible to families.

For community residents, the Bauers’ recognition underscores how volunteer leadership translates into concrete services. Volunteer coordinators and fundraising leads organize the staffing, equipment and venue costs that make track, bowling and other events possible; coaches provide instruction and encouragement that increase athlete participation and wellbeing. In a rural county like Dubois, those functions frequently determine whether programs can operate year-to-year. The Bauers’ sustained service has helped stabilize programming and allowed families to plan participation without interruption.

Beyond recreation, the Special Olympics program produces broader community effects. Consistent offerings create social networks for athletes and caregivers, reduce isolation, and help families access local resources. Fundraising and volunteer time also reduce operating pressure on municipal and nonprofit budgets, effectively leveraging private commitment into public benefit. Local organizers say continuity in leadership — as embodied by the Bauers — can improve retention of athletes and volunteers, and increase the reach of outreach and inclusion initiatives.

The recognition is also relevant to local policy and philanthropic patterns. As municipalities and county services consider accessibility and inclusion investments, awarded families highlight where public-private collaboration is already effective and where additional support could amplify impact. Sustained volunteer leadership can make grant applications more competitive and demonstrate community buy-in to state and federal funders who support adaptive recreation and disability services.

Looking ahead, the award spotlights long-term trends in community sports and inclusion that have matured since the county program began in 2001. As Special Olympics programs nationwide emphasize year-round training, unified teams and community integration, local chapters must balance volunteer-led operations with professional support and funding streams. The Bauers’ multi-decade involvement illustrates how family leadership can anchor a program through these shifts, while also pointing to opportunities for broader community engagement and policy support to sustain growth.

The Family of the Year honor celebrates the Bauers’ practical contributions to Dubois County’s Special Olympics and serves as a reminder that volunteer commitment remains a key driver of local social infrastructure. Their work in coaching, fundraising and athlete participation has helped ensure that sports and community life remain open and supportive to people of all abilities.