Briana Larson has spent the last 13 years competing in local Special Olympics games – striving to make it to the national games. This year, the Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) employee finally realized her dream, taking home a pair of gold medals in the process.

Larson, a resident of Plum City, WI, was one of 65 athletes and unified partners from her home state chosen to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando earlier this month. Larson is employed by ProAct and works with supportive services at Koozie Group’s Red Wing, MN, facility.

Koozie Group employee Briana Larson took home two gold medals during the Special Olympics USA Games.

“I was so darned excited that I screamed and yelled a lot,” Larson said of being selected. “I was happy and excited to be able to compete for a gold medal.”

Prior to being chosen to compete, athletes must participate in a training camp. In addition to athletic ability, competitors must also meet requirements in social interaction and team-building skills. Each athlete must also raise a minimum of $500 toward the cost of attending. Koozie Group donated $1,500 to Larson’s cause.

“Once we found out that Briana was raising funds to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games, we knew we wanted to support her journey and help make her dream come true,” said Trisha Joyce, employee experience and communications specialist at Koozie. “We’re so proud of Briana for being selected to compete and happy that we could financially contribute to her success.” 

Koozie also held a send-off party for Larson at its Red Wing location, where the supplier presented the Larson family with promotional products to take to the USA Games and a good-luck banner that was signed by Larson’s co-workers. Koozie also printed a water bottle for each member of the Wisconsin Special Olympics team.

During opening ceremonies at the games, Larson had the chance to represent Wisconsin as a flag bearer because she was a top fundraiser for the event.

At the national competition, Larson participated in a variety of track and field events. She earned a gold medal in the 100-meter run and the 4x100-meter relay.

“It was pretty darn good and exciting,” Larson said of her experience. “And I got to be on TV a lot. I loved it and I’m going to try out again in four years. It’s a big deal.”

With reported 2020 North American promo products revenue of $255 million, Koozie Group ranked seventh on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. Counselor’s 2022 Top 40 list will be revealed this July.