Norristown – Special Olympics Pennsylvania recently recognized several of its most steadfast and dedicated volunteers supporters at its annual Leadership Banquet held Sept.15 in Harrisburg.
Awardees included:
· EDS of Camp Hill – Sponsor of the Year
· Clear Channel Broadcasting of Harrisburg – Media of the Year
· Melissa Holt of Mechanicsburg – Athlete Leader of the Year
· Senator Patricia Vance – Personality of the Year
· Tom Kelly of Bethlehem – Management Team Member of the Year
· Elk Mountain Ski Center of Uniondale – Sports Organization of the Year
· Pat Ryan of Bradford – President’s Award for Seasoned Manager of the Year
· Joseph Kirby of Lebanon — Male Athlete of the Year
· www.lebcoso.org – Web Site of the Year (Webmaster Jackie Gostomski)
· Cathy Bechtel of Bloomsburg – Coach of the Year
· Andrews Family of Bloomsburg – Family of the Year
· SOPA, Columbia/Montour – Program of the Year Volunteer Manager
· Amelia Davis of Bloomsburg – Unified Sports Partner of the Year
· Council Rock School District of Newtown – School District of the Year
· Patricia Loner of Williamsport – Volunteer of the Year
· Sonia Kinney of Williamsport – Female Athlete of the Year
· Fayette County – SOPA Torch Awardee
In addition, a group of volunteers was honored by SOPA as “Volunteers You Can Always Count On.” Recipients included:
· Brian Damiani (Bucks Co.)
· John “Jack” Meyers (Adams Co.)
· Dana Fetters (Blair Co.)
· Curry “Pappy” Bressler (Columbia/Montour)
· Susan Shaner (Lycoming Co.)
· Kay Straw (Area M)
· Tom Hopkins (Philadelphia)
· Kelsic Herring (Fayette Co.)
· Ken Thomas (Area P)
· Ed and Tina Dionne (Summer Games at PSU volunteers)
· Susanne Smith (Delaware Co.)
· Casey Dolan (Fall Festival at Villanova University volunteer)
“Our success in changing lives through sports is a direct result of our loyal, energetic and strong volunteers, supporters and communities,” said Janine Cesare, president, SOPA. “Special Olympics Pennsylvania simply would not be able to give the gift of sport to more than 18,000 athletes without leaders such as these award recipients and we are truly grateful for their commitment and vision.”
SOPA Leadership Award recipients were chosen by a statewide panel of business and community leaders representing both the private and nonprofit sectors. Nominations come from local Special Olympics programs throughout Pennsylvania. The event is part of a yearly Leadership Conference designed to provide ongoing training and recognition for Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
