This February, Special Olympics is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting Venisha Bowler, Director of Sport Competition Management, an instrumental part of the organization for more than three decades.
How long have you worked with Special Olympics and how did you first join the movement?
My total number of years involved with Special Olympics, including volunteer, program level and international level, is 32 years. When I first joined, I was a local volunteer volleyball coach and have now served in many other roles within the Special Olympics organization including Area Director, Sports Director at state program level, and member on the National Sports Advisory Council in 2000, before I progressed to the international platform.
Prior to joining staff with the Special Olympics movement, I worked with the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta in the Sports Department—Training Sites.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia State University and a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Virginia Tech.
With the Special Olympics World Winter Games coming up 8-15 March, what is your role in the buildup and running of these Games?
I am the primary sports operation staff liaison to our World Games’ Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 8 Winter Sports (2,000 athletes) and 26 Summer Sports (7,000 athletes) during Games. This key leadership role entails working closely with the LOC in the planning, execution, and evaluation of the sport specific operations to ensure a safe, quality and dignified sports competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities, under the Sport Impact Standards. I have oversight of the selection, training, management, and evaluation of the global volunteer sport specific technical delegates for World Games and international sports technical officials, as well as guidance in sports operation policy direction. I have been involved in the global Sports Rules process for many years. Throughout the past 24 years on my international career platform with Special Olympics, I guided sports for 12 Special Olympics World Games, served on various committees, overseen special projects, and traveled to 26 countries.
How many World Games have you worked on and what about the Turin Games will be unique from others before it?
For World Winter Games Turin 2025, we are committed to providing athletes with a safe, quality and dignified sports experience in Turin. As always it is exciting to experience different cultures and see our athletes experience this phenomenal sport and cultural event.
We have had notable advances with this Games including seeing female participation at a record 46% which is an increase of 15% from Austria in 2017. We will also be debuting a new sport event in snowboarding, Parallel Giant Slalom, and debuting DanceSport at the World Winter Games. This Special Olympics Games will use the top-tier Olympic venue for snowboarding from the 2006 Winter Olympics Games.
If you had one piece of advice for African American women interested in careers in sport, what would it be?
There needs to be a diverse and inclusive environment in the sport management industry. There is room at the table, so take your seat at the table accordingly. I am a strong advocate of volunteerism and networking. As long as you stay true to yourself.
About Black History Month
Since 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated each February in the U.S. to honor the achievements and contributions African Americans have made to this country.
Since its inception in 1968, African American athletes and staff have been at the forefront of the Special Olympics movement, leading the way for inclusion for people with and without intellectual disabilities.
The message of inclusion extends to all people, no matter race or ethnicity.
Visit our Black History Month tag page to hear from more Black voice throughout the movement.
