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The Showdown
QUICK FACTS!
CREATED
1000s
OF MEMORIES!
BENIFITING
DOZENS
OF ATHLETES
ENGAGED
200+
VOLUNTEERS
How It Began
What began as a simple consultation — helping a high school football team choose a community service project — turned into something far greater than anyone imagined. Project Change guided the young men of Olathe Northwest High School through our process and gave them permission to think big, but, they didn't just think big. THEY THOUGHT BOLD!
THEIR VISION
The team wanted to play sports alongside their two honorary team members who faced physical challenges — inclusively, joyfully, and on equal footing. Once we connected with the nearby Miracle League inclusive baseball field, a friendly rivalry was born. What started with one team quickly grew to unite every high school in the Olathe School District — football teams, cheer squads, and mascots all showing up with school pride. But the real stars of the day were the athletes who are typically cheering from the sidelines — students with physical and developmental challenges from every school — who stepped onto the field and into the spotlight as AllStars.
Results!
The Showdown delivered lifetime memories for everyone who was part of it. It sparked meaningful conversations around equity and inclusion and generated the kind of press, support and community attention that brought real results — including much-needed funding for programs for the AllStars in the Olathe School District and what is now the Variety KC inclusive playground and baseball field.
One Team.
One Big Idea.
A Whole Community Transformed.
