On any given afternoon or evening in Bedford, if you walk into a Bobcats practice, whether it is basketball, track and field, or another sport, you will quickly realize you are witnessing something special. You will find coaches teaching fundamental skills and applauding improvements. You’ll see athletes of all ages and abilities laughing and cheering each other on. Look a little closer, and you will see even more meaningful interactions, veteran athletes guiding newer teammates and proudly celebrating their successes. The Bedford Bobcats Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) team is far more than a sports program; it is a community where confidence grows, lifelong bonds are formed, and inclusion comes to life on and off the field. In the pages that follow, we will meet some of the remarkable athletes who make up the Bobcats, learn how families and volunteers support the team, and explore the impact this inspiring program has on our town. 

The Bedford Bobcats began in 2004 with a small group of friends at McKelvie Middle School who wanted to share social experiences with their intellectually disabled peers. From those early friendships grew the program it is today, more than 50 athletes training year-round, competing in local and state tournaments, and representing Bedford with determination, sportsmanship, and remarkable team pride.  

Today, the heart of the Bobcats can best be seen through the stories of its athletes. Justin Tombs captures the spirit of Bobcats pride and the unforgettable moments that come with it. A Bobcat since 5th grade, Justin, now 28, competes in basketball, alpine, track and field, golf, pickleball, and bowling. He has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including 11 gold, but when asked what stands out most, he points to the experiences at the tournaments and competitions. He still laughs about a scorching Summer Games at UNH, where the temperature hit 100 degrees, yet teammates still cheered each other on through the heat. It’s those moments, long days at tournaments, shared jokes, and constant support that turn competitions into lasting memories and teammates into close friends.

At 33, Courtney Jennerjohn is an active athlete who competes in basketball, bowling, and track and field. While she enjoys the competition, her favorite part of participation in sports is the friendships she’s made along the way. For Courtney, however, building those connections wasn’t always easy; one of her biggest challenges used to be talking to new people. Through the SONH Global Messenger Program, Courtney was trained in public speaking and is now a spokesperson for Special Olympics and the inclusion movement. Along with other Global Messengers, Courtney is able to share personal stories of courage, hope, and unified sports at community organizations and events to promote acceptance and understanding.

Adam Alexis’s journey with the Bedford Bobcats highlights how early opportunities and strong team connections can shape confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. Introduced to the Young Athletes program (an introductory program for ages 2-7), Adam began developing teamwork and foundational skills at a young age. Now he participates in bowling, basketball, and track and field, and he thrives on being part of a team, embracing every chance to learn, compete, and, as his mom Jillian shares, enjoy the cheers and social connections he loves. “Adam has shown significant progress in his abilities, confidence, and maturity. He has especially grown in sportsmanship, becoming one of the first to encourage others and celebrate their success!” Adam has since joined unified basketball at Bedford High School and credits the Bobcats for teaching him the skills to get there!

Bedford High School senior Mia Katane began volunteering at Bobcats basketball practices four years ago, expecting to mostly help run drills. She quickly realized that practices focused just as much on building community and leadership as they did on developing basketball skills. Reflecting on her first tournament, she recalls, “I watched an entire gym cheer when one athlete made a basket, and even missed shots got applause. Players from both teams high-fived each other constantly. That’s when I realized leadership isn’t about perfection or authority, it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued.”  Inspired by that experience and committed to expanding inclusive opportunities, Mia is organizing an end-of-season sports banquet for the Bobcats, similar to the awards banquets typically held for high school athletic teams. This will give the team a night where they feel celebrated, proud, and recognized for all their effort and accomplishments.

Supporting every team are dedicated coaches who guide athletes and partners, nurture connections, and facilitate unified teamwork. Coach Katelyn Nyhan was working as a paraprofessional when the coach and one of the original coordinators, Shari Daisy, asked her to help out with the upcoming track and field season. That first practice was 14 years ago, and she still remembers it vividly. What began as a simple volunteer opportunity quickly grew into a passion and a lifelong commitment. She has volunteered with bowling, golf, track and field, and has served as the basketball coach for the past three years. The year everything came full circle for Katelyn was the year her own children volunteered as partners. “I watched them step forward with the same eagerness I once had, their hands raised before I even asked,” she said. Seeing them become part of something that means so much to her was truly amazing. “Watching them build friendships, show compassion, and embrace the spirit of inclusion made me incredibly proud,” Katelyn shared. It was a powerful reminder of why being part of Special Olympics was so special to her family. Dawn and Shelby Gibson share the same genuine enthusiasm for volunteerism. In 2023, Dawn, a Special Educator and Unified Coach in Amherst, responded to a call for volunteers. She and her daughter, Shelby, a 5th grader already involved in an adaptive recess program at McKelvie, jumped at the chance to join the team. They love the enthusiasm and excitement that come from playing together, and for Shelby, the experience extends beyond the field: seeing her teammates in school leads to smiles and waves that help everyone feel more connected.

The Bedford Bobcats team is deeply rooted in the entire community, with support and impact extending across many local organizations and schools. The National Charity League is a mother-daughter volunteer organization that is a national philanthropy partner to the Special Olympics. Holly Desrosiers, Grade Level Advisor for the class of 2030, and former liaison for Special Olympics, has helped organize volunteer opportunities at the local and state level. On working with the Bobcats, she reflects on how practices are especially meaningful for their teenage volunteers, many of whom are athletes themselves. “The Bobcats athletes remind us that sports are not about winning, but about perseverance, teamwork, and celebrating every achievement.”

Fundraising plays a vital role in supporting the Bobcats, helping to ensure athletes have the same opportunities as traditional athletic teams, like equipment, uniforms, competitions, and social experiences. SONH hosts the annual Penguin Plunge at Hampton Beach every February to raise funds for competitions, events, and the athlete programs that SONH provides. Local programs, like the Bobcats, contribute to these expenses, making local fundraising essential. For the past two years, the McKelvie Intermediate School staff have proudly formed a plunging team and led a school-wide fundraiser, directly supporting the Bobcats and increasing awareness of inclusion, building empathy, and fostering a stronger sense of community within the school.

The Bedford Bobcats Special Olympics NH team embodies the spirit of inclusion, encouragement, and joy, and represents the very best of what a community can be. Getting involved is simple and deeply rewarding. The Bobcats are always welcoming new athletes from ages 8 through adulthood. If you are interested in learning more or finding ways to get involved, including the Young Athletes Program, contact Stefani Myrick, Local Program Coordinator, at StefaniM@sonh.org or visit the Bedford Bobcats Facebook page.