New president and CEO appointed for Special Olympics Idaho

Kristi Kraft was appointed as the new president and CEO of Special Olympics Idaho earlier this week. | Courtesy Special Olympics Idaho
The following is a news release from Special Olympics Idaho.
BOISE – Special Olympics Idaho is proud to announce that Kristi Kraft has been named the new President and CEO of the organization, unanimously decided by the Board of Directors. Kraft had been serving as interim CEO since April 6th.
Kraft has over 25 years of experience with the Special Olympics movement. Starting in 1994 as a volunteer, and later, coordinating a local program that served athletes in Idaho and eastern Oregon from 2000 – 2019. In 2019, she took a major role in producing the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a major fundraising event for the organization nationwide.
For the last two years, Kraft has served in the role of Director of Special Events/Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for the Idaho Program.
“I am honored,” said Kraft at the Board of Directors meeting on the 15th. “The athletes we serve deserve this Program to be the best it can be.”
President of the Board, Mark McCorkle confirmed, “Our mission is to serve the community of individuals with intellectual disabilities and I cannot think of anyone more qualified to lead Special Olympics Idaho than Kristi. The timing is perfect and we are blessed to have her.”
Due to COVID-19, the Games were either canceled or greatly restricted in 2020. Many of the fundraising efforts were also put on hold.
Under Kraft’s leadership, Special Olympics Idaho plans to host summer games in Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls next month, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, as well as three Galas this Fall. She will also place a renewed emphasis on programs and development.
Established in 1971, Special Olympics Idaho will celebrate its’ 50th Anniversary this year. The organization hosted the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho in 2009. The mission of Special Olympics Idaho is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving 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 athletes and the community.
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Source: eastidahonews.com