Click here to download the award nomination form.
Congratulations to the 2011 Special Olympics Iowa award winners!
Ed Lehner Award: Rich Fellingham, SOIA President Emeritus, Ames
Special Olympics Iowa Athlete of the Year: Corey Leonard, Muscatine
Outstanding Coach of the Year: Donna Appel, Marshalltown
Outstanding Family of the Year: Al and Ted Oberlander Family, Des Moines
Summer Games Lifetime Service Award: Wally Schloerke, Ames
Outstanding University Volunteer of the Year: Duane Sorenson, Ames
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year: Nadine McNeal, Shellsburg
Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year: Kim Jeffus, Des Moines
Outstanding Summer Games Volunteers: Mary Christy, Ames; Mark Crouch, Clive; Carol Lamb, Ames; Diane Modlin, Ballard.
Outstanding Heatlhy Athletes Volunteers of the Year: Dr. Jay Christensen, Harlan and Kathy Thorsteinson, Cedar Rapids
Scott Bryant Unsung Hero Memorial Award: Lt. Rich Hickle, Des Moines Police Department
Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Awards were presented to:
Corporate Partner of the Year Award: Sammons Financial Group
Event Partner of the Year Award: Terrus Real Estate Group
Law Enforcement Torch Run Partner of the Year Award: Texas Roadhouse
Media Partner of the Year Awards: The Des Moines Register and 98.1 KHAK Radio, Cedar Rapids
Distinguished Service Awards
The Distinguished Service Awards given by Special Olympics Iowa provide a unique and important opportunity to recognize outstanding members of the SOIA community. You are invited to nominate those individuals and groups from the categories below who have made significant contributions during 2010-2011 or who have demonstrating an ongoing commitment. Winners will be recognized at the Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games held annually in May.
There is no limit to the number of nominations you may submit. Please click here to download the form. Keep in mind that the deadline for all nominations is March 9, 2012. Listed below are the awards that you may nominate individuals for.
Ed Lehner Award: For the individual volunteer who, through his or her long-term commitment to SOIA, best exemplifies the dedication and unselfish efforts associated with the true spirit of Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Iowa Athlete of the Year: An individual award is given to the athlete who epitomizes the spirit of a true winner by his or her willingness to help others and who also gives his or her best while displaying outstanding courage and sportsmanship.
Outstanding Coach of the Year: For the coach in any official Special Olympics sport, who best demonstrates the high degree of technical skill, commitment and compassion needed to motivate and train athletes for competition and life.
Outstanding Family of the Year: For the family who has made unique and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through SOIA and who also has at least one family member who is a Special Olympics athlete.
Outstanding Adult Volunteer: For the best example of adult volunteerism, which serves to improve the quality of Special Olympics at the local, area or state level.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer: For the best example of volunteerism by a youth 18 years of age or under which serves to improve the quality of the Special Olympics Iowa program.
Outstanding Business or Corporation: For the business or corporation which, through its ongoing commitment, has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Iowa.
Outstanding Service Organization: For the best year round voluntary effort or support from a civic organization that serves to improve the quality of the Special Olympics Iowa program.