John Lair

John Lair is the president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas, following more than two decades as a volunteer coach with the organization. Lair’s involvement with Special Olympics began as a college student at Pittsburg State University, where attending a local event sparked his interest in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation and a master’s degree in developmental psychology, providing an academic foundation for his work in adaptive sports and inclusive recreation.

With over 33 years of engagement in Special Olympics, Lair has coached athletes in 16 sports at local, national, and international levels. He served as head coach for the New Hope Bulldogs Special Olympics team for 14 years and has supported athletes at multiple Special Olympics World Games. Lair has also led Kansas’ powerlifting team at several Special Olympics USA Games and coached at the World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, as well as at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. Under his leadership, athletes have completed the Special Olympics Global Messenger program, which trains participants in public speaking and advocacy, and have gone on to serve in community leadership roles for Special Olympics Kansas.

Lair founded two state-recognized nutrition education programs, "Eat Right 4 Life" and "Bike-4-Life," which support athletes in improving fitness and nutrition. He also launched the Polar Plunge in Pittsburg, Kansas, a fundraising event that has raised more than $1 million for athlete support. Lair was the first civilian elected to the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Executive Council and serves as an at-large member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Executive Council. He is certified in the Special Olympics Kansas Leadership Program.

Lair’s work has been recognized with honors such as Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach of the Year and the American Health Care Association National Hero of the Year Award. He has also been named a Blue KC Gamechanger honoree. As CEO, Lair oversees an organization that serves more than 7,000 athletes annually, supported by over 25,000 volunteers across Kansas. His approach emphasizes providing opportunities and advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities, using sports as a platform for achievement and inclusion.