Some members of the JCCC community who are lunchtime regulars may recognize Lisa Elsener as part of the Dining Services crew that helps to make the dining areas clean, comforting, and welcoming to students, faculty, and staff. They may not know they’re in the presence of true greatness.
Lisa, who has worked at JCCC for 35 years, is about to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
This competition marks her fifth trip to the Special Olympics and – possibly even more incredible – her fourth sport to compete in at the Olympic level.
Lisa competed in the Special Olympic World Games in 1983, 1985, 1989, and 2001, medaling in swimming, figure skating, and speed skating. She was inducted into the Kansas Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 1990 and has won gold, silver, and bronze awards in state, national, and world games.
Honored by Prairie Village
Lisa is an avid runner and frequently participates in running events and races, which is how she met Prairie Village Police Sergeant Pat Mahoney. He leads the annual Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run, a fundraising event for the Kansas Special Olympics. Sergeant Mahoney suggested “Lisa Elsener Day.”
On Monday, March 3, Lisa thought she was attending a Prairie Village City Council meeting to say a few words about her friend, Mahoney. She was extremely surprised when Mayor Eric Mikkelson instead read a proclamation honoring her: the City of Prairie Village declared that March 3, 2025, will now be recognized as “Lisa Elsener Day” in honor of her athletic accomplishments and service to Prairie Village and the greater Johnson County community.
Follow Lisa as she competes
The Turin 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games began over the weekend and will continue through Sunday, March 16. Alpine Skiing starts tomorrow, Tuesday, March 11, and Elsener will compete in the Novice Giant Slalom from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CT.
The 2025 Alpine Skiing finals will take place on March 12, March 13, and March 15. Follow the coverage and results at turin2025.org. The entire JCCC community will be rooting for you, Lisa!
