Houston – Travelers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport – IAH – did a double-take this week when Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins and running back Dare Ogunbowale showed up ready to trade their jerseys for United Airlines name badges.
The two players spent the day learning the ropes from United Airlines’ Special Olympics Service Ambassadors – the SOSAs – and yes, it was every bit as heartwarming, funny, and inspiring as it sounds.
Houston Life’s Melanie Camp was there the moment the Texans arrived, following the players as they swapped the football field for the airport terminal to learn exactly what it takes to help passengers navigate one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
But before the Texans clocked in, Mel spent the morning with the real airport MVPs: Alexis Medina, David Thomas, and Christie Hanson – three of United’s Houston-based SOSAs whose leadership, patience, and kindness are felt by travelers every single day.
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Meet the SOSAs: The Pros Running the Show
United launched the SOSA program to create inclusive, meaningful employment opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. SOSAs help passengers with check-in, wayfinding, navigating crowds – all while offering the kind of warmth and reassurance that instantly lowers travel stress.
Behind the scenes, the program also builds leadership skills, communication, independence, and career confidence.
In Houston, Alexis, David, and Christie shine – and it’s no surprise why passengers (and coworkers) adore them.
Game On: Texans Play SOSA for a Day
Once Collins and Ogunbowale arrived, it was time for a full role reversal: the SOSAs were the coaches, and the Texans were the rookies.
Their first assignment? Helping travelers at the check-in kiosks. Nico and Dare quickly learned that assisting someone whose flight leaves in 20 minutes requires focus, patience… and a smile that doesn’t disappear under pressure.
During training, Dare shared something deeply personal:
Dare and his sister were both inspired to pursue sports because of their brother, who is a Special Olympics athlete.
For him, this experience wasn’t just fun – it was meaningful.
“These ambassadors are incredible,” Dare said. “Watching them lead today reminded me of why my brother inspired both me and my sister to get into sports in the first place.”
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Leadership Takes Flight
For the SOSAs, this training day was a spotlight moment – a chance to show Texans players exactly what their job requires.
For the players, it was a reminder that leadership, patience, communication, and heart drive every successful team – whether it’s on the field or in a terminal.
United’s VP of Airport Operations, Phil Griffith, captured it perfectly:
“When we include people, we elevate everyone.”
By the end of the day, the Texans had a new appreciation for the employees who keep Houston travelers moving – and the SOSAs had two new fans.
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A Partnership Making Real Impact
United and Special Olympics have partnered since 2019 to build inclusive employment pathways across the country. Today, nearly 30 SOSAs work in cities including Houston, Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles – with more hubs joining soon.
Their goal is simple:
To make travel more accessible, more supportive, and more human.
And if this Training Day proved anything, it’s that the heart of an airport doesn’t come from the planes – it comes from the people.
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See How It All Unfolded
Catch Melanie Camp’s full two-part story on Houston Life – filled with laughs, leadership, and a whole lot of teamwork.
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