We are Champions!

Champion Athletes of the Ozarks serves children and adults with disabilities living in the Ozarks area.

Through sports training and competition, Champion Athletes of the Ozarks helps cultivate self-esteem, self-confidence, and social skills in individuals living with disabilities. We do this by creating a positive atmosphere and teaching decision-making skills, team skills, and appropriate behaviors, allowing our participants to relish in their successes and milestones. Likewise, we maintain a focus on Life Skills through classes in reading, basic money, math, storm preparedness, and a wellness and fitness program—all skills necessary for people to experience success in work, school, and community service.

The experiences and skills gained through Champion Athletes of the Ozarks help each athlete progress toward greater independence and everyday living. These skills are a valuable resource—in daily life, all of us must adapt to change, interruptions, and unexpected challenges. Champion Athletes of the Ozarks teaches each athlete to be flexible and to cope with the stress that change can bring. Athletes work with different authority figures, learn to accept victory as graciously as defeat, and build on each other's successes.

Champion Athletes of the Ozarks was founded in March 2002 to enhance the lives of its athletes, build successful individuals, and expand opportunities through sports training, competition, and new activities. As a local organization, all donations of time and money go directly toward providing sports programs and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities living in the Ozarks area. All programs are offered to athletes at no cost.

Champion Athletes of the Ozarks is an athlete-driven organization. Each athlete is treated with respect and encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and personal success—skills they carry with them into everyday life.

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Ninety percent of every donation goes directly to Champion Athletes of the Ozarks programs, ensuring contributions support athletes, expand access to opportunities, and strengthen the services that help individuals stay active, healthy, and engaged in their communities.

Where Do Donations Go?

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Board of Directors

Each member of our board of directors believes in the goals and accomplishments of Champion Athletes of the Ozarks.  Their vision and their dedication have created many opportunities for our individuals and their programs.

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Mike Mergen

Danielle Rapp

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Zachery Towe

Nathan Rogers

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Kari Norris

Michael DeArmon

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Brandon Bowenschulte

Jared Duckett

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Vaughn Henson

Don Hancock

Testimonials

I have been involved with Champion Athletes since its inception. My daughter participates in several different sports as an athlete. I have been on the board for 10 years, and I am an active volunteer. I feel Champion Athletes give all participants some great opportunities. Not only as athletes, but to help educate and teach individuals life skills. I love the wide variety of programs they offer, and how the individuals that participate mature throughout the year. The employees who run the organization are incredible and are loved by all the participants.

— Parent

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Champion Athletes of the Ozarks has been an absolute blessing to my family and me. The impact it has had on our lives, especially seeing how it has transformed the lives of my close family members, is immeasurable. The opportunities for growth, confidence-building, and connection that this organization provides have empowered them in ways I never thought possible. Champion Athletes has not only fostered a sense of belonging but has also given them a platform to shine and thrive. Our gratitude for this incredible organization runs deep, as it continues to inspire and uplift us all.

— Partner

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Thank you for Champion Athletes, it is because of you and Champion Athletes that my son’s dreams have come true. He has a love, a passion for basketball. Because of you he gets to play and have fun and meet new friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am eternally grateful.

— Parent

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