Caleb Sweedler’s Summer Tradition Makes a Big Impact

A longtime Special Olympics athlete, Caleb is helping turn community generosity into opportunities for his teammates.

September 2, 2026

For Caleb Sweedler, Special Olympics New Hampshire is about more than sports. It’s about friendship, teamwork, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

A longtime member of the Winni Warriors, Caleb competes in bowling, basketball, and track & field. Known for his outgoing personality and enthusiasm, Caleb is often one of the team’s biggest supporters. Whether cheering on a teammate, celebrating a personal best, or introducing himself to someone new, he brings energy and excitement wherever he goes.

That same spirit is on display each summer during a community yard sale held to benefit the Winni Warriors. Co-organized by Caleb and his sister, Jenny Thibeault, with help from other family members, this year’s event in Plymouth raised nearly $1,500 to support local Special Olympics programming.

While there is no cost for athletes or their families to participate in Special Olympics New Hampshire, fundraising plays an important role in helping local programs offset expenses such as facility rentals, uniforms, equipment, and other costs associated with year-round sports training and competition. For the Winni Warriors, proceeds from the yard sale help support the team’s bowling program, which serves approximately 90 athletes.

The fundraiser is powered by donations from community members, creating an opportunity for friends, neighbors, athletes, coaches, and supporters to come together around a shared purpose. Caleb helps with setup, greets visitors throughout the day, and assists with cleanup, but perhaps his biggest contribution is something less tangible: making connections. He enjoys talking with everyone who stops by and helping people feel welcome.

Over the years, coaches have watched Caleb grow not only as an athlete, but as a teammate. While he once focused primarily on his own performance, he now celebrates the successes of those around him just as enthusiastically as his own. Whether cheering from the sidelines, congratulating a friend after a great performance, or welcoming someone new to the team, Caleb demonstrates how sports can help athletes build confidence, friendships, and a deeper sense of connection with others.

That growth reflects one of the most important lessons Special Olympics teaches. While individual achievements matter, being part of a team means encouraging others, supporting your teammates, and working together toward a common goal. Caleb has embraced that lesson, becoming a valued teammate and one of the Winni Warriors’ biggest cheerleaders.

There have been countless memorable moments throughout Caleb’s years with Special Olympics, but one that stands out for those who know him best is the pure excitement he shows on the bowling lanes after stringing together multiple strikes. That joy is a reminder of what Special Olympics is all about. Sports provide opportunities not only to compete, but also to gain confidence, build friendships, and experience the pride that comes from hard work and perseverance.

The success of this annual fundraiser is truly a team effort. Thanks to Jenny’s hard work, Caleb’s enthusiasm, and the generosity of community supporters, the Winni Warriors can continue providing opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and thrive together.

Thank you, Caleb and Jenny, for demonstrating the power of teamwork and community, and for helping create opportunities for your fellow Winni Warriors athletes.