“Sports for Special People” started in the year 2000 by the North Dakota Athletic Trainer’s Association (NDATA) to assist the North Dakota Special Olympics. This fundraiser is held in conjunction with National Athletic Trainer’s month. Initially, new and used sports equipment was collected for the athletes. To enable the Special Olympics to better meet their needs, the direction of the fundraiser changed to raised funds through the sale of gold medal medallions. These $1 medals have been sold in athletic training rooms throughout the state of North Dakota. Total Gold Medal sales from 2002-2015 has resulted in over $17,653 in donations to the North Dakota Special Olympics from the NDATA. The NDATA Board of Directors would like to thank every athletic trainer who has helped with “Sports for Special People”.
“Special Thanks” to the following schools and organizations who graciously help the NDATA support the North Dakota Special Olympics.
| American Gold Gymnastics | Fargo North High School | Fargo South High School |
| West Fargo High School | Discovery Middle School | North Dakota State University |
| University of North Dakota | Sheyenne High School | Grand Forks Central High School |
| Grand Forks Red River High School | Devils Lake High School | Shanley High School |
| Wahpeton High School | Minot High School | University of Mary |
| Davies High School |