2011-2012 Awards Announced by Special Olympics North Carolina

Raleigh, N.C. — Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) recently presented its 2011-2012 state-level awards honoring outstanding individuals, companies and organizations that support Special Olympics in North Carolina, according to Keith L. Fishburne, president/CEO of Special OlympicsNorth Carolina.

The following individuals received recognition plaques for their commitment and dedication to Special Olympics during the past year:

 

  • Ø Athlete of the Year: Todd Bass, Cabarrus County
  • Ø Coordinator of the Year: Abigail Clayton, Jackson County
  • Ø Coach of the Year: Kevin Eckardt, Mecklenburg County
  • Ø Volunteer of the Year, Ian Gillan, McDowell County
  • Ø Family of the Year: The Jenkins Family, Wayne County
  • Ø Chairman’s Award: A Small Miracle, Inc.
  • Ø Chairman’s Award: North Carolina Teaching Fellows
  • Ø President’s Award:  Quinton K. Wall, Johnston County
  • Ø Outstanding Organization: Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department, Johnston County
  • Ø Outstanding Organization: Clayton Parks & Recreation Department, Johnston County
  • Ø Jim Long Commitment to Excellence Award: Marilyn Sturgill, Watauga County

Nominations were made by local Special Olympics programs and winners were selected at the area level.  The area-level award winners were considered for the state-level awards by a selection committee.

The 2011-2012 Jim Long Commitment to Excellence Award was presented to Marilyn Sturgill at Appalachian Ski Mountain in Boone for her dedication to Special Olympics since 1981.  Through more than 30 years of service and leadership, Sturgill has been a voice for Special Olympics athletes and been at the forefront of Special Olympics Watauga County.

Todd Bass, of Charlotte, was awarded the “Athlete of the Year” honor for his enthusiasm and leadership.  He is known as a leader and a role model for other athletes through the demonstration of athletic skills and great sportsmanship.  A leader on and off the field, Todd also serves as a Global Messenger, a trained public speaker for Special Olympics. He truly loves participating in Special Olympics and is an inspiring leader within Special Olympics.

SONC “Volunteer of the Year” was awarded to Ian Gillan, of Marion, for his inspiring volunteerism and involvement with Special Olympics since 2002.  Gillan began volunteering at events in middle school as a “day of event volunteer” and increased his involvement as a certified Special Olympics coach in soccer and aquatics as he got older.  Now in college, Gillan continues to be committed to Special Olympics and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The 2011-2012 SONC “Family of the Year” was presented to the Jenkins Family, of Goldsboro, for their dedication to the philosophy of Special Olympics and its athletes through coaching, volunteering, fundraising, and educating the public.  Parents Don and Charlotte have been active for many years in support of their son and Special Olympics athlete, Alan.  Alan Jenkins participates locally and at the state level in bowling, basketball and aquatics and pairs with his father to compete in golf at local and state-level competitions.  Don and Charlotte not only support Alan’s involvement, but also the experience and involvement of other Special Olympics athletes.

The SONC Outstanding Coach award was presented to Kevin Eckardt, of Charlotte, for his dedication in coaching for Special Olympics Mecklenburg County for 35 straight years.  A retired special education teacher, he has acted as a surrogate parent, coach, friend and supporter for athletes in-school and for athletes continuing into their adult lives.  Eckardt truly extends the mission of Special Olympics as he works to provide more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to learn and develop life skills.  As a dedicated and caring coach, Eckardt can be counted on to coach any sport and support Special Olympics and its athletes in every possible way.

Quinton K. Wall, of Johnston County, was awarded the 2011-2012 President’s Award for his deep dedication to the Special Olympics mission. He has worked tirelessly for people with intellectual disabilities over the last 25 years.  He has been an active Special Olympics volunteer and coach on the local, state, national and international level. Wall has demonstrated his commitment to Special Olympics and been a quiet but vigilant voice that has the power to bring everyone together.

 Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide.  SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 19 sports on local and state levels.  It is the one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world in terms of participating athletes. 

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