Cynthia “Cindy” Schopper of Valley City, North Dakota, began her involvement with Special Olympics in 1987, serving as a coach and area director. She will represent Special Olympics USA as a sport manager. Serving in various coaching and support roles, Cindy has attended 11 Special Olympics World Games and five Special Olympics USA Games. In her efforts to promote Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming in Valley City, Cindy has worked to establish a local Special Olympics college program.
She is currently employed as a work and vocational supervisor at Open Door Center, an agency providing residential and vocational services for children and adults with disabilities. Cindy is a member of a local animal rescue organization, serves on the school board at her church and maintains a backyard bird sanctuary. During the summer, she loves to ride her bike and during the winter, she loves to snowshoe. Learning some German and continuing to focus on her physical fitness, Cindy is preparing for the opportunity to cheer on athletes and coaches in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.