Special Olympics Virginia presented its Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, Outstanding Area Volunteer, Outstanding Chapter Volunteer, Outstanding Family and the recipient of the Virginia H. Foster Winning Spirit Award. These awards were presented at the 2006 Awards Celebration, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside.
Graham Wright (Richmond, Va.) was named SOVA’s Athlete of the Year for his outstanding service of his community, while competing in basketball, golf, and softball. The Special Olympics veteran serves as one of SOVA’s best ambassadors. Wright works full time at Bunkie Trinite Trophies and finds time to volunteer at the Richmond YMCA. Wright also received the volunteer of the year award for his work with the YMCA. “Graham has a way of making those around him see the positive side of most any situation” Rick Jeffrey, Special Olympics Virginia President.
John Jabe (Chester, VA) was named SOVA’s Program Volunteer of the Year. Jabe was recognized for his six years of service with the SOVA Torch Run. During that time he has supported the efforts of the Department of Corrections in their quest to make the Virginia Torch Run a success each year. To further his support, Mr. Jabe began a golf outing in 2000. The tournament has grown into the DOC Zoom a Lube golf tournament that netted $50,000 for SOVA Torch Run in 2005! Without the Torch Run, and its large events like the DOC Zoom a Lube Golf Tournament, SOVA would not be able to grow its cause and include more people in its welcome environment of inclusion. In addition to his work making the golf tournament of success, as a Director of the Department of Corrections, Mr. Jabe helps to promote SOVA and Torch Run to the employees of the DOC. This large force of volunteers raises over $150,000 for the Torch Run each year because of the commitment of its leaders to SOVA.
The Catron Family (Keysville, VA) was presented with the Special Olympics Virginia Family of the Year award. The Catron's have been involved in Special Olympics Virginia for many years. Joanne and Billy served as coaches and local coordinators for Charlotte County. Son Scott competes as an athlete for Area 15. He is coached by Joanne with assistance from dad, brother and sister. Because of the Catron’s involvement, Charlotte County Special Olympics is growing and providing more opportunities for athletes to train and compete. A great volunteer base has been established with students in the Charlotte County school system and volunteers in the community. Special Olympics Virginia President Rick Jeffrey said, “The Catron’s are great ambassadors for Special Olympics.”
Dori Krause (Springfield, VA) received the Coach of the Year award. Krause has been involved with Special Olympics athletes for 16 years. She has provided tremendous instruction for swimmers in the Fairfax County program by making their program demanding, but always fun. Training sessions with Krause include parents, siblings, volunteers and Masters level swimmers whom Krause has recruited to help. Despite the fun and relaxed atmosphere, behavior, attitude, language, and the rules of competition and sportsmanship get every bit as much attention as the mechanics of swimming. Krause has a tremendous affect on her athlete’s health and fitness, and their greater confidence in their own abilities.
David Egan (Vienna, VA) received the Virginia H. Foster Winning Spirit. This award is the highest award recognized by Special Olympics Virginia. This highest award is bestowed on a volunteer or athlete in Special Olympics who has made an impact on many levels of the organization. Egan serves as a SOVA Global Messenger speaking on behalf of all SOVA athletes on Capital Hall. Egan is also a dedicated athlete, as well as a representative on the Down Syndrome Board.
Sherry Little (Portsmouth, VA) was named the Outstanding Area Volunteer of the Year. The Special Olympics program would not be successful without the constant dedicated work of the volunteers in each Area program. Little has become a key player in Special Olympics Portsmouth. She has been instrumental in establishing a Board of Directors and taking on the role of Secretary. Little has been at the forefront of many fundraising ventures. She assists in the organization of the Special Olympics Golf Tournament that benefits Area 2. She is also a conduit of Special Olympics information to the Portsmouth community. She never misses an opportunity to recruit new athletes, volunteers and family members into the program.
Special Olympics and Farm Bureau Insurance are pleased to honor the outstanding efforts of these award winners. It is through there continued efforts that Special Olympics is able to continue to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Please submit nominations for the athlete of the month feature on http://www.specialolympicsva.org/athlete_nomination.htm
About SOVA
Coaches
Information
