Kinsey directs $11,000 in grants to Tuscarawas County Special Olympics

Tuscarawas County native and Gatorade Ohio Football Player of the Year Grady Kinsey has helped secure a $10,000 Spotlight Grant for Tuscarawas County Special Olympics to support its mission of providing year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

As part of the Gatorade Player of the Year program, each of the 610 state winners receives a $1,000 grant to donate to a nonprofit organization of their choice. Kinsey selected Tuscarawas County Special Olympics as his grant recipient.

State winners may also submit a short video explaining why their selected organization should receive one of 12 Spotlight Grants awarded nationwide. Kinsey was selected to receive the additional $10,000 grant.

“As with all Gatorade Player of the Year award winners, Grady has demonstrated exemplary character,” Cameron Pettigrew, associate marketing manager for Gatorade Player of the Year, said. “His short video illustrated the role that Tuscarawas County Special Olympics has had in fostering that character. Our vision is that organizations like the Rockets continue to positively impact the kids of the future.”

Local Coordinator Richelle Lefler said the organization was deeply moved by Kinsey’s support.

“We were truly touched and completely overwhelmed when we were contacted by Grady and his mother, Bobi,” Lefler said. “To know that an athlete of his caliber thought of us and took the time to nominate our program for the initial $1,000 grant, followed by this incredible $10,000 Spotlight Grant, is both humbling and deeply moving. This generous act speaks not only to his athletic talent, but to the depth of his character.”

Tuscarawas County Special Olympics said the funding will create meaningful opportunities for its athletes, known as the Rockets, and help provide equipment and program support.

To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners have directed more than $6.4 million in grants to more than 2,200 organizations nationwide.

Gatorade recently announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multiyear initiative designed to expand access to sports and help young athletes reach their potential.

More information about the Gatorade Player of the Year program is available at playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.