By Marisa Dawson, Photos Courtesy of Jennifer Hammer & Bennington Buffaloes
When parents in the Bennington area grew tired of long drives across Omaha for their children to participate in Special Olympics activities, they decided to create something closer to home. The result is the Bennington Buffaloes, a thriving Special Olympics Nebraska team that now includes more than 50 athletes and unified partners.
Jennifer Hammer, who runs the team, recalled the grassroots beginnings. “Bennington Buffaloes was created by a group of parents that had been traveling all over the Omaha area so their kids were able to participate in Special Olympic activities. After high school, the options were slim in the Bennington area,” she shared. “I posted in the Bennington Mommas facebook group to see if anyone in the area would be interested in joining our team and the response was amazing. We have over 50 individuals (athletes and unified partners) participating today.”
The team offers athletes far more than just competition. Hammer said the biggest goal is “the ability to be part of something so much bigger than themselves,” along with opportunities to meet new people, exercise, learn new skills, practice sportsmanship, build confidence and experience a deep sense of belonging.
“This is their group!” she added. “Our core group was even able to vote on the mascot.”
The program’s impact extends well beyond the playing field, fostering friendships, teamwork and life skills that participants carry into everyday life. Athletes gain “friendships, supporting of others, a sense of belonging, teamwork, competition, dedications, persistency, encouragement,” Hammer noted. “The list could go on and on. This group of athletes, unified partners, coaches, parents and families really couldn’t be a better group of human beings. There are lessons learned at every event.”
For many families, the team has been transformative. Hammer shared her own perspective: “For me and my son, the Buffaloes have been life changing. We have an amazing group of human beings that really come together as a family. It has given us the opportunity to connect with others in our community, reduced the time to get to practices, and an overall strong support system.”
The Buffaloes do much more than sports, organizing birthday parties, celebrations, a summer picnic with swimming, holiday gatherings with gift exchanges, food and music bingo, and attending community events like SuperNovas volleyball games. They also support unified partners in their other activities.
The family of participant Logan shared the impact of that support in a heartfelt statement: “From Logan’s perspective — and from our family’s heart — the Bennington Buffalo Special Olympics delegation has been life-changing. Through basketball, bowling, baseball, and so many other sports, Logan has found more than activities to participate in; he has found belonging, confidence, and genuine joy,” they said. “Each practice and competition brings opportunities to build skills, experience teamwork, and celebrate progress in ways that extend far beyond the scoreboard. As parents, we see the pride in his smile, the friendships he has formed, and the resilience he continues to develop. The Bennington Buffalo community has created a space where Logan is encouraged, challenged, and celebrated for exactly who he is — reminding us that sport is not just about competition, but about connection, growth, and the powerful joy of being part of a team.”
Hammer’s simple message about the athletes resonates deeply: “They are AMAZING human beings!!!!”
The team competes in a wide range of sports throughout the year, including unified basketball, traditional and unified bowling, track and field, unified volleyball, unified soccer and softball, unified cornhole, unified flag football, and will add powerlifting and unified soccer in 2026.
Recent and upcoming events highlight their momentum. On March 7, the basketball team returned from the regional tournament with two gold medals and one silver. The squad then went to the state tournament in Lincoln on Saturday, April 11, for the Spring Games. Track and field regionals are scheduled for April 25 at Mount Michael, followed by volleyball and the Summer Games from May 27-30. Several teams will also compete in the Cornhusker State Games in July. Bowling continues year-round at Maplewood Lanes, even between official seasons.
The Polar Plunge on Feb. 14 served as the team’s main fundraiser, with eight athletes, coaches, unified partners and parents participating. Though just short of their goal, the event raised more than $2,500 to support uniforms, travel, equipment and meals.
Looking ahead, Hammer hopes the team continues to grow and open doors. “The hopes is that we will continue to grow and provide opportunities for everyone involved that they may not have otherwise,” she said. “The support that this team has for each other is truly more than could have ever been expected. They cheer each other on, have respect for each other and their ability levels, and take pride in saying they are a Bennington Buffalo!”
Through competition and camaraderie, the Bennington Buffalos are strengthening community ties and proving that every athlete deserves a place to belong, excel and be celebrated.
