Kentucky State Police Launch Annual 'Cover the Cruiser' Fundraiser for Special Olympics

The weeklong campaign aims to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Kentucky athletes.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:05pm

A bold, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a Kentucky State Police cruiser silhouette overlaid with the Special Olympics logo, rendered in a high-contrast, neon color palette to capture the celebratory spirit of the fundraising event.The annual Cover the Cruiser campaign allows Kentuckians to show their support for Special Olympics athletes by decorating police vehicles with custom stickers.Campbellsburg Today

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are inviting residents to participate in the seventh annual 'Cover the Cruiser' fundraiser, which runs from April 10-17. During the campaign, people who donate at least $1 can place a custom sticker on a KSP cruiser to show their support for Special Olympics Kentucky athletes. All proceeds go directly to supporting the Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games.

Why it matters

The Cover the Cruiser campaign is an important annual event that brings communities together to celebrate and support Special Olympics Kentucky athletes. The funds raised help provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for over 11,300 athletes across the state.

The details

Throughout the week, KSP posts across Kentucky will host events where residents can meet troopers, connect with athletes, and contribute to the fundraiser. Since the campaign began in 2020, KSP has raised over $75,000 for Special Olympics Kentucky. In 2025, the agency raised $8,304, with the Campbellsburg post collecting the most donations at $1,392.

  • The Cover the Cruiser campaign runs from April 10-17, 2026.
  • The Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games will be held at Eastern Kentucky University.

The players

Andy Beshear

The Governor of Kentucky who is supporting the Cover the Cruiser fundraiser.

Kentucky State Police (KSP)

The state law enforcement agency hosting the Cover the Cruiser campaign to benefit Special Olympics Kentucky.

Phillip Burnett Jr.

The Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police.

Special Olympics Kentucky

The organization that provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for over 11,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.

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What they’re saying

“'Kentucky's Special Olympics athletes show us all what determination, courage, and teamwork truly look like. Cover the Cruiser gives our communities an opportunity to come together, celebrate these athletes, and help ensure they have the support they need to succeed both on and off the field.'”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

“'Our troopers are proud to partner with Special Olympics Kentucky and the remarkable athletes who inspire us every day. Cover the Cruiser is a meaningful way for our agency and our communities to rally around these competitors and help expand opportunities for them.'”

— Phillip Burnett Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police

What’s next

The Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games will be held at Eastern Kentucky University, where athletes from across the state will compete in a variety of sports.

The takeaway

The Cover the Cruiser campaign is an annual tradition that brings Kentuckians together to celebrate and support the state's Special Olympics athletes. By donating to this fundraiser, communities can help ensure these remarkable competitors have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.