Our Opinion: A victory for Special Olympics and Jefferson City

Let's give credit where credit is due.

The Missouri Special Olympics announced Tuesday it would locate its new Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City. In addition, the group's headquarters will remain in Jefferson City, but will relocate to the new site.

Credit the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce - particularly President Randy Allen - with perseverance. When public partnerships didn't succeed, Allen persisted in exploring options to craft a viable proposal.

The proposal came to fruition when Land Investments - operated by Mike Farmer, Bud Farmer and Frank Twehous - not only joined the effort, but offered to donate a 15.5-acre site.

Both Columbia and Jefferson City competed for the project, expected to generate about $1 million in tourism annually and another $1 million in payroll.

Jefferson City was selected by an unanimous vote, based primarily on the donation of the site to Special Olympics. In contrast, the Columbia proposal involved leased land.

"That (the land donation) was the No. 1 determining factor," said Phillip Cook, chairman of the Missouri Special Olympics Board of Directors. "This way we can call it our home. We own it."

The land is more than a tract of acreage. Located near U.S. 54 and Missouri 179, the site is easily accessible and highly visible. It also comes with the prospect that Land Investments will pursue commercial development on adjacent property.

We see the announcement as an extension of the partnership that is strengthened every time our city has the good fortune to host Special Olympics activities.

Special Olympics is dedicated to providing some great opportunities for some very deserving people. We are privileged to join in welcoming the new facility to Jefferson City.