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 “I am so EXCITED!” said Carlton Morris bursting with emotion.
The 29 year-old Special Olympics Davidson County athlete was inducted into the North Carolina Gymnastics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Jan. 12. He is the first-ever Special Olympics athlete to earn the distinction. The ceremony took place at North Raleigh Gymnastics in Raleigh during a NC Qualifier competition for male gymnasts across the state.
NC Gymnastics Hall of Fame judge , Robert Boudreaux, Carlton’s coach Jim Shaw and several members of the NC Gymnastics Hall of Fame were on hand to officially induct Carlton in as the newest member. Carlton’s accomplishments as a gold medal competitor in the first-ever 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games and 1999 Special Olympics World Games brought a rousing applause from the crowd. Carlton was presented with two plaques commemorating his Hall of Fame induction. His mother Mary Morris, his sisters, extended family and several Special Olympics NC volunteers and staff members were all in attendance. Carlton performed a floor routine for the crowd prior to his induction.
“He’s been competing at gymnastics for about 12-13 years,” said Mary Morris. “He was so scared of the rings at first. He just kept saying ‘I can’t do it, momma. I can’t do it.” Now look at him, he’s in the Hall of Fame. I am so proud of him.”
Carlton has participated in Special Olympics Davidson County for more than 20 years. He competes in basketball, bowling, cycling, equestrian and gymnastics. He is currently practicing to compete in 2008 SONC Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament to be held in Winston-Salem and Clemmons on March 7-9.
Visit the SONC photo gallery for more photos of Carlton’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Congratulations Carlton!
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