BNSF, Special Olympics Texas celebrate 25 years of partnership

FORT WORTH, Texas – BNSF Railway, one of North America’s leading transportation companies, and Special Olympics Texas will host the 25th annual Special Olympics Regional Cycling competition April 26, 2025 on the campus of BNSF Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. 

The event will host 100-150 Special Olympics Texas athletes competing in various cycling races along a safe guided route, along with 500-600 family members and volunteers.

BNSF has hosted the event since 2001, and sponsors, coordinates and runs the competition while providing a safe, welcoming atmosphere for the athletes and their families. Each year, BNSF team members also volunteer to support the event, which is a state qualifying competition for Special Olympics Texas. It is free and open to the public.

“We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with BNSF,” said Alex Hubbard, Special Olympics Texas executive director, North region. “For 25 years, our cycling event has been a mainstay on our calendar, and BNSF has been at the heart of the event every year. The commitment and passion shown by all the individuals at BNSF to support our athletes and their families is unmatched in our community. We look forward to continuing to work with BNSF for many years to come.”

“This competition allows these special needs athletes to compete and to do it in a way where they are being cheered on, not just by their family and friends, but the broader community,” said Ed King, BNSF assistant director of dimensional clearance and border support. “Being a part of the community is part of our leadership model, vision and values here at BNSF. The reason I come back every year is that it’s not work; it’s hugs, smiles, and high-fives. The energy the athletes bring is incredible.”

EVENT DAY INFO:
9 a.m. Saturday, April 26 on BNSF campus, 2650 Lou Menk Drive in Fort Worth, Texas
Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 2 p.m. 
For more information and to volunteer for the event, email Wade Wilcox at wwilcox@sotx.org. 
Photos from past events can be found here. 

Contact:
Kendall Kirkham Sloan
Director, External Communications
Media@BNSF.com