The Heart of Team Barrington
Celebrating Del Buker’s Lasting Impact
May 11, 2026
Some people volunteer.
Some people lead teams.
And then there are people like Del Buker, who quietly spend decades building something much bigger: a community.
For years, Del has been a driving force behind Special Olympics New Hampshire as the longtime coordinator of Team Barrington, a coach, mentor, Team NH leader, and trusted friend to athletes, families, and fellow volunteers across the state. Her impact stretches from local practices and competitions all the way to the Special Olympics USA Games, where she helped lead Team NH alongside Karen Turgeon for multiple national games.
But ask the people who know Del best what makes her special, and you won’t hear a list of accomplishments first.
You’ll hear words like family, consistency, commitment, and heart.
“One thing I’ve taken away from Del’s leadership,” shared Team Barrington coach Adam Gagne, “and in my opinion what contributes most to the success of Special Olympics programs is her consistency.”
“For over 20 years working with Del and Team Barrington, I have witnessed the trust that comes with showing up. This allows Del to push the athletes to reach their potential without hesitation.”
That trust has become the foundation of Team Barrington. Over the years, athletes and families have come to know that Del will always show up, advocate fiercely, and find a way to make things happen.
And according to those around her, that mindset has never changed.
“When I approached Del about starting a snowshoe program or now pivoting from softball to golf this spring,” Adam said, “it has never been a question of if it’s possible but how can we make this happen.”
“The focus has ALWAYS been on the athletes’ experience and making Team Barrington a family for everyone.”
That sense of family is something Del’s daughter has experienced firsthand, not just as her daughter, but as a volunteer growing up alongside the program.
“Special Olympics has become a family event for us,” she shared. “It means coming home for a weekend to help her with practice or at games, reading a message before it gets sent out to see if any details were forgotten, having her grandchild be a Unified partner.”
Behind every practice, competition, and success story is an enormous amount of work that many people never see.
“It’s more than just being there at practice and games,” her daughter explained. “It’s the registration, fundraising, following up on paperwork, securing practice locations, working with athletes individually to meet goals or have new experiences, athlete leadership, Healthy Athletes, and so much more.”
Still, despite all the behind-the-scenes logistics, what stands out most about Del is her ability to create opportunities and connection.
What started as a school-based program has grown into a wider community program welcoming athletes from Barrington and surrounding areas. Under Del’s leadership, Team Barrington has become known as a place where athletes are challenged, supported, celebrated, and encouraged to try new things.
That spirit was on full display recently when Team Barrington participated in the Peeper 5K together for the first time.
“It was so fun,” Del shared. “It had always been something that I wanted to do as a team.”
For years, the timing never worked with competition schedules. But this year, “the stars aligned,” she said, allowing athletes, families, guardians, and supporters to participate together.
Moments like that matter.
Not because of medals or ribbons, but because they create memories, confidence, friendships, and community. They create the kinds of experiences athletes carry with them long after the finish line.
SONH Director, Communications and Volunteers, Shelby Cote shared, “Personally, Del was one of the very first local program coordinators I got to know when I started with Special Olympics New Hampshire as a field services manager. Over the years, I’ve come to see what so many others already knew: Del is a connector. She brings people together. She cares deeply about her athletes and her community. She leads with compassion, humor, thoughtfulness, and authenticity.”
She’s the kind of person who makes people feel welcome the moment they meet her.
A light. A ray of sunshine.
And while Team Barrington’s athletes may be the ones competing on the field, court, golf course, or snowshoe trail, the community Del has built around them may be one of her greatest accomplishments of all.
Special Olympics New Hampshire is stronger because of volunteers like Del Buker, whose decades of dedication continue to create opportunities, friendships, and life-changing experiences for athletes across the Granite State.
