Special Olympics Headquarters may change locations

Although nothing is set in stone, Columbia will be submitting a proposal to get the Special Olympics of Missouri Headquarters moved there from Jefferson City.

Right now, its current location is on Edgewood in Jefferson City.

Special Olympics announced they plan to build a new training facility, which is what sparked Columbia’s interest.

Columbia leaders said they want the organization in their community.

On the other hand, Jefferson City leaders said they already have a site in mind as to where they want to build the facility.

The new facility will create 9 jobs and boost the economy for whatever city the organization resides in.

Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Director Randy Allen said, “The jobs pull the tourism and we think it’d be a good idea to try and keep them in our community.”

Megan McConachie with Columbia’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau said it will be good to move it to Columbia.

“Having something like that is just a great fit for Columbia. We have a really great sports community, we have a community that likes to get involved and so we think this would be the ideal spot.”

Both Jefferson City and Columbia must have their proposals in by the end of next week.