About the Emporia Vipers
Empowering Athletes. Inspiring Community. Celebrating Inclusion.
The Emporia Vipers are a proud local affiliate of Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS). Based right here in Emporia, our team is dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Beyond the court and the field, the Vipers are a family. We believe that through the power of sports, our athletes discover new strengths, abilities, skills, and success. Our programs provide a safe, encouraging environment where athletes can experience the pure joy of the game while building lifelong friendships.
Our Mission
In alignment with Special Olympics Kansas, our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics
The Power of Unified Sports®
We are proud champions of the Unified Sports® program. This initiative brings together individuals with intellectual disabilities (Athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (Unified Partners) on the same team. By training together and playing together, we break down barriers and foster genuine social inclusion, proving that when we play unified, we live unified.
Courage
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Inclusion
Everyone deserves a chance to play, belong, and be celebrated.
Community
Supported by our dedicated coaches, families, and Emporia sponsors.
Joy
At the end of the day, it’s about the smiles, high-fives, and pure fun.