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LEWISTOWN - Kenny Varner never planned to become a Special Olympics coach. In 1999, he went to cover a track meet where his sister coached. The experience changed his life’s trajectory.
“I got to see a little bit of what it was like,” Varner recalls of that first encounter. When he learned the basketball program needed a new coach after the previous one retired, he stepped in.
Twenty-five years later, Varner continues coaching special needs individuals. He leads the Central Keystone football team (formerly Burnham Bulldogs) into its 19th season. He works at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), marking his 22nd year helping clients with special needs.
The transformation extends beyond sports. Varner witnessed societal attitudes shift from the 1970s and 80s when his aunt and cousin with special needs faced public ridicule and discrimination.
“They were treated like animals,” Varner says of those earlier decades. “No one was afraid to publicly make fun of them because of their looks.”
Today’s landscape differs markedly. Varner observes more integration in schools, where students with and without special needs interact regularly. The change reflects broader acceptance and understanding.
“Now we’re getting to an age where even younger kids realize these kids are fun to be around,” Varner says. “There’s not much difference between them.”
His coaching philosophy centers on ability, not disability. The results speak through success stories like TJ Stroud, one of Varner’s first Bulldog players. Stroud, an Eagle Scout with high-functioning autism, progressed from never playing football to scoring a touchdown for his high school team before heading to college.
Another player recently made his high school football team. “He was welcomed with open arms,” Varner says. “People loved him, and now he’s on his way to college.”
At UCP, Varner applies coaching strategies to help clients gain independence and confidence. One client transformed from extremely shy to outgoing over seven years.
“He’s more outgoing now than I am,” Varner says. “He picks on people and jokes with them. He’s not afraid to say 'hi' to people.”
The work requires patience, understanding, and respect. Varner emphasizes treating individuals with special needs as equals. “They don’t want to be catered to or spoiled,” he explains. “They want to be treated like you and me. If you do that, you’ll get their respect.”
His approach focuses on direct, clear communication without condescension. “The worst thing you can do is talk down to them,” Varner says. “It’s about how you approach it. If you approach with caring and explain things, they respect that.”
The rewards flow both ways. While Varner guides athletes and clients toward new achievements, their resilience and optimism impact him profoundly.
“Ninety-percent of these special needs individuals are the most pleasant people to be around,” he says. “Life has thrown them curveballs, but they’re standing in the face of conflict and enjoying their lives. They have such positive attitudes.”
The relationships extend beyond seasons and schedules. Players become family. Even after games end, they seek Varner’s counsel on personal matters. “When they start telling me about their personal lives, wanting help or someone to talk to, I feel like we’ve done something as an organization,” he says.
His commitment shows no signs of slowing. While approaching his 20th-anniversary coaching, Varner hopes to continue “till I can’t physically do it anymore.”
“I’d like to go maybe 30, 35, 40 years if I can,” he says. “I think I get more out of it than the kids do. In a world of such negativity, you can go to a place and coach these kids who show nothing but love and positivity.”
The Special Olympics motto – “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” – echoes through Varner’s work. His athletes demonstrate bravery daily, pushing past limitations others impose on them.
For those considering involvement with Special Olympics or special needs programs, Varner offers encouragement: “If anyone has a chance to coach a Special Olympics team or get to know some of these kids, take time out and do it. It’s worth the time and effort.”
His legacy lives through changed perspectives and lives touched over 25 years. The shy athlete who discovers confidence. The player who makes his high school team. The client who learns to navigate the world independently.
Through coaching, mentoring, and steadfast dedication, Varner exemplifies the championship spirit – not through trophies or medals but through empowering others to reach heights they never imagined possible.