MPR News Radio Camp reports on Special Olympics
Each year, students with MPR News Radio Camp in partnership with ThreeSixty Journalism at the University of St. Thomas travel to an organization to interview experts and produce a radio story with their reporting. This year, the Special Olympics USA Games happened to be in the Twin Cities on the same week as Radio Camp.
Radio Camp worked with the Special Olympics to give the students an opportunity to conduct one-on-one interviews and ask questions during a press conference. They met with athletes, Special Olympics leaders and fans to create audio stories from their reporting.
Here are the 2026 Radio Campers and their stories. Click on the audio links to listen.
Maryama Ahmed goes to Columbia Heights High School. She interviewed Cindy Mori, the vice president of events for 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Yunus Ahmed goes to Rosemount High School. He interviewed Amy Murray, the senior vice president of special events for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Kendra Andrews graduated this year. She interviewed Matt Allen, more famously known as the hip-hop artist Nur-D, who performed at the Special Olympics USA games.
Lundy’n Jasper goes to Minnehaha Academy. She interviewed Greg Epperson, the regional president and managing director for Special Olympics.
Naomi Miller graduated from Richfield Senior High School. She interviewed country artist Madden Metcalf, who performed at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Naimo Mohamed goes to Ubah Academy. She interviewed Vikings offensive tackle Walter Rouse, who volunteered with the Special Olympics USA Games.
Olaoluwaotan Olaiya graduated from RiseUp Community High School. She interviewed Olympic athlete Carrie Tollefson, who volunteered with the Special Olympics USA Games.
Vivian Ogunro goes to Breck School. She interviewed Jon Berry, the in-arena host for the Special Olympics USA Games.
TaNiah Queen goes to Burnsville High School. She interviewed musician Paul Peterson, who performed at the Special Olympics USA Games.
Lola Rohl graduated from Minnetonka High School. She interviewed Danny Striggow, a Minnesotan who now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He volunteered with the Special Olympics USA Games.
