Special Olympics Recognizes Outstanding Service

Mission, Ks – Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) has announced Making a Difference Regional Awards for 2015.

Outstanding Family of Region – Jason Shirley Family, Wichita; Josh Alters Family, Topeka; and Ryan Prothe Family, Gardner
Business of Region – Comfort Homes, Maize; Pitt Realty, Pittsburg; Stanion Wholesale Electric Pratt; Southwest Dairy Farmers Assoc, Colby.
Coach of the Region – John Hagerty, Junction City; David Normile, Shawnee; Robert Van Haven, August; Ron Just, Dodge City
Event Volunteers of Region – Jennifer Hughes, Wichita; Ann McElhenny, Overland Park; Chris Moore, Pittsburg; Donna Schwindt, Colby
Program Volunteer of Region – John Koelsch, Emporia; Sheila Rehder, Hays; Tracy Ortiz, Bonner Springs

The Regional Winners will now be eligible for the State Award to be announced at the end of February.

The Outstanding Family recognizes a family, with a Special Olympics athlete that has made unique and lasting contributions not only to benefit their athlete, but also to every aspect of the Special Olympics’ spirit.

Outstanding Business recognizes a club, business or organization whose efforts have significantly improved the Special Olympics athletes’ experiences either locally, regionally or state-wide.

Outstanding Coach recognizes the coach who best demonstrates the true ideals of the coaching profession; who leads by example, expects athletes to set and strive to reach goals, and demonstrates both technical skills and personal commitment to the overall well-being of athletes.

Event Volunteer recognizes an individual who has made a difference in special-event fundraising or marketing efforts or has significantly impacted other initiatives.

Program Volunteer recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution, has demonstrated an overall commitment and has gone above and beyond his/her assigned tasks/duties; thereby exemplifying the Special Olympics spirit. This volunteer maybe a coach, but selection is based on non-coaching contribution

The State Award winners will be officially recognized at the Opening Ceremony of Summer Games, June 3rd at 7 pm in Wichita at Cessna Stadium on the Wichita State University Campus.