2025 Blue KC Gamechanger Honoree John Lair
Special Recognition
John Lair went to his first Special Olympics for extra credit for a college class at Pittsburg State University. He expected to stay there for about an hour. Little did he know it would change his life forever.
“I said to myself that day, ‘I’ve got to figure out a way to get involved with Special Olympics,’” Lair said recently.
Now, 33 years later, he is changing lives by the thousands.
Lair has been the CEO of Special Olympics Kansas for the past eight years after more than two decades as a volunteer coach with the organization.
“I was drawn to the enthusiasm, to the athletes and the overall feel of that event,” Lair said. “All these years later, it’s been the biggest blessing of my life. The athletes, the relationships you build and seeing them overcome obstacles have improved my life so much.”
Through the years, Lair has coached athletes in 16 different sports, locally, nationally and internationally. He’s coached athletes and the national and international Special Olympics competitions.
Because of his dedication and service to the Special Olympics, Lair will receive the October “Blue KC Gamechanger” award. Launched during the 2024 NWSL season, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the Kansas City Current teamed up to create this exclusive program highlighting local individuals blazing the trail for all women across the Kansas City area. A Blue KC Gamechanger inspires bold ambition in all his or her work, enriching the community around them, and enacting positive change through intentional action.
Lair considers the Gamechanger award recognition of the great work done by his staff and volunteers. “It’s something for the program, because I couldn’t do what I do without the whole organization. I love the acknowledgement of what Special Olympics Kansas is doing in the community. But this is much bigger than me.”
The most impactful part of his job is watching athletes, who have been told they couldn’t do something, prove the naysayers wrong.
“We had a powerlifter featured on ESPN,” Lair said. “He was told his whole life that he couldn’t be a powerlifter. I made it my mission to help him to get to where he wanted to be.
“He motivated me through life, just seeing him work. He was there for the 6 a.m. workouts and the 6 p.m. workouts. He had the attitude, ‘I’m not going to let anybody tell me what I can’t do.’ I was fortunate enough to ride that ride with him. I saw him become a world champion in powerlifting.”
Lair sees a similarity between the athletes of Special Olympics and the players on the Current. Until recently, the best female soccer players in America didn’t have an opportunity to play professionally.
“I’ve seen the Current grow so much,” Lair said. “I see the popularity, and I see everybody jumping on board. I’ve seen it with our Special Olympic athletes too. Given that chance, it’s truly amazing to watch our athletes grow, not just through sports, but our health research and all that we’re doing with our athletes.”
Special Olympics Kansas impacts more than 7,000 athletes each year, with more than 25,000 volunteers across the state. His message is clear for anyone who doubts whether Special Olympians are athletes.
“Just give them a chance,” he said. “There are so many athletes across the state that do all 20 of our sports. We also have athletes that do one or two. We have athletes ranging from 3-years old all the way up to 97-years old.
“I’ve seen it so many times where people are told they can’t do certain things. It might take them a little bit longer or a little bit more training or support, but they can get there.”
“John Lair’s passion for helping the athletes of the Special Olympics is inspiring for all of us,” said Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Jenny Housley. “We are very excited to recognize him as our October Blue KC Gamechanger.”
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