FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 9, 2026) – Kentuckians are encouraged take part in the seventh annual Cover the Cruiser campaign, a statewide fundraiser supporting Special Olympics Kentucky athletes.
The event will take place April 9-17 at locations across the commonwealth.
“Kentucky’s Special Olympics athletes show us all what determination, courage and teamwork truly look like,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Cover the Cruiser gives our communities an opportunity to come together, celebrate these athletes and help ensure they have the support they need to succeed both on and off the field.”
During the campaign, Kentuckians who contribute at least $1 can place a custom sticker on a KSP cruiser to symbolize their support for athletes competing in the upcoming Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games. Every dollar raised goes directly to Special Olympics Kentucky.
KSP posts across the state will host events throughout next week, giving residents the opportunity to meet troopers, connect with athletes and show their support for the Special Olympics. Visit the Kentucky State Police’s website to see the entire schedule of events.
“Our troopers are proud to partner with Special Olympics Kentucky and the remarkable athletes who inspire us every day,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “Cover the Cruiser is a meaningful way for our agency and our communities to rally around these competitors and help expand opportunities for them.”
Since the Cover the Cruiser campaign began in 2020, KSP has raised $75,700.76 to support Special Olympics Kentucky programs. In 2025, the Kentucky State Police raised $8,304.11, with Post 5 Campbellsburg collecting the most donations at $1,392.03.
“We are looking forward to another Cover the Cruiser Week and the opportunity to continue working with the Kentucky State Police,” Special Olympics Kentucky CEO Angela Cruse-Tinch said. “In addition to the financial support that Cover the Cruiser events provide for our program, they also give our athletes another opportunity to interact with State Troopers, many of whom they recognize from presenting medals at our events across the state.”
The funds raised help support the Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games, which will be held at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, where athletes from across the state will compete in a variety of sports. For more information about the Cover the Cruiser campaign or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit the Special Olympics Kentucky website.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports training and competition program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Since 1970, Special Olympics Kentucky has provided year-round sports training and competition opportunities for more than 11,300 athletes across the commonwealth.
Comments