BEMIDJI, Minn. – This past Saturday, Bemidji State University Football teamed up with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and Special Olympics Minnesota to welcome Ben Pederson as the team's honorary captain on Homecoming. Pederson participated in the coin toss alongside team captains Drayton Lehman, Conor Kovas, Isaac Hagstrom and Zach Ott.
 
Ben has been a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete for more than 25 years, competing in nearly every sport
offered, from bowling, poly hockey and basketball to snowshoeing, softball and flag football. Powerlifting is one of his favorites. He always keeps a positive outlook and feels proud when he completes his lifts.
 
In addition to sports, Ben has taken the Polar Plunge for 10 years, volunteered at countless fundraisers, and loves to make his friends and teammates laugh. Ben enjoys crafts, going to high school games, camping, and spending time with his family, friends and two dogs. He looks forward to representing Team Minnesota at the 2026 USA Games and is excited to meet new people and make new memories.
 
The Beavers are proud to work with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and Special Olympics Minnesota to continue to provide opportunities and experiences to our community. For more information on Affinity Plus and Special Olympics Minnesota, click the attached links. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State Football program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversFB).
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).