20 Who Count: Sheri Gray

By Jenna Wilson

Sheri Gray never fails to give her time and talent to lift up Special Olympics athletes in Northwest Missouri.

Gray graduated with a Physical Education major not realizing this would be the gateway to her journey as a coach for Special Olympics Missouri.

Gray now juggles a busy schedule coaching multiple sports for the Special Olympics — softball, basketball, bowling, and track and field.

“I needed volunteer hours as a physical education major and that’s how I was introduced to Special Olympics,” she said. “It’s amazing to get praised by people for doing something that also makes me feel good. I get very emotional about it because all of the athletes are like my kids.”

A more than decade-long career has given her extended families she will cherish for a lifetime.

“One boy in particular I’ve had as an athlete since he was 8 years old and he’s 22 now,” Gray said. “We still keep in touch and I’m constantly letting him and his mom know he’s just like my own.”

She encourages everyone to volunteer, describing it as an opportunity that will leave a lasting impact on a person’s life.