“We focus on ability, not disability. [Patrick] just sees athletes. He sees athletes and he wants to position them to be able to compete at their highest level.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A partnership between Special Olympics Missouri and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ charity will help local athletes participate in future games.

On Thursday, 15 and the Mahomies announced a partnership to help support athletes from Special Olympics Missouri in their pursuit of playing in the 2026 USA Games.

“Special Olympics Missouri’s mission aligns with the mission of my foundation; we have provided grants for SOMO and its programs for the past five years. With the USA Games coming up, we wanted to help eliminate the financial barriers,” said Mahomes. “We asked for the three greatest needs SOMO was facing. Travel and lodging are at the top of the list, so that is the area we are addressing.”

The partnership began June 4 and will continue through the end of the year. The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation said it is donating seed funding to kick off the initiative and said donors will be able to contribute at various levels by visiting the SOMO website or mobile app.

In an ode to Mahomes, donation levels are $15, $150, $1,500 and $15,000.

Brian Neuner, Chief Development Officer of Special Olympics Missouri says, “Expenses everywhere are increasing; it is what it is. So, I think we’d like to reach $300,000.”

We are incredibly grateful to Patrick Mahomes and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation for partnering with Special Olympics Missouri to support our athletes on their journey to USA Games,” said Larry Linthacum, President and CEO of Special Olympics Missouri. “At Special Olympics Missouri, we believe we are stronger together, and impactful partnerships like this help us transform lives and create a more unified world through sports.”

“We focus on ability, not disability,” Neuner said. “[Patrick] just sees athletes. He sees athletes and he wants to position them to be able to compete at their highest level.”

Proceeds from the partnership will directly help travel and lodging expenses for athletes attending the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.