Volunteer photographer Paul Stackhouse is awarded the 2012 SONC President’s award.
Raleigh, N.C. — Mr. Paul Stackhouse of Cary was named the 2012 Special Olympics North Carolina President’s Award winner, according to Keith L. Fishburne, president/CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina. Stackhouse received the honor during the 2012 Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Tournament in High Point on Nov. 3. Stackhouse was honored for his long-time commitment to and support of Special Olympics North Carolina athletes through his photography. Stackhouse is employed by SAS as a senior development tester.
For the past 11 years, Stackhouse has volunteered as a Special Olympics North Carolina photographer at state-level competition and fundraising events. During that time period, he has missed only a handful of events. He gives up his weekends, travels around the state and at times uses his personal vacation time in order to capture inspiring images of Special Olympics NC athletes competing in 19 Olympic-type sports. In addition to state-level events, Stackhouse has also traveled to the 2006 and 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games as well as some Special Olympics National Invitational events. He donates all his photographs to Special Olympics North Carolina and posts his pictures free of charge for Special Olympics North Carolina families to download and print for their own memories. Stackhouse is always offering new ways to enhance the athletes’ experiences at events through his photography. He has most recently added a portrait studio booth during Olympic Town festivities for the athletes to pose with their families and friends.
“Paul’s generous support of his time and photography skills brings a smile to so many within our organization,” said Fishburne. “Photographs tell the story of Special Olympics in such a vibrant way and we are very fortunate and appreciative for the quality images he captures from our competitions and events. Paul is truly committed to our athletes and their families. He has become a much loved fixture within the Special Olympics NC family.”
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 one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world in terms of registered athletes. Engage with us on http://twitter.com/sonc_beafan; http://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNC and http://www.youtube.com/BeAFanSONC.
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