Awards & Recognition
Honoring athletes and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions both on and off the field of competition who have made outstanding contributions to the Special Olympics Pennsylvania community.
Athlete and Volunteer of the Year
Presented annually at Fall Festival by Philadelphia Insurance Companies
The Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year and Athlete of the Year Awards honor individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania community. These individuals have gone above and beyond in the name of inclusion and are lauded members of their respective communities.
Nominate an Athlete or Volunteer
Help us recognize outstanding individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania community.
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Athletes who are eligible for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Athlete of the Year Award:
- Have demonstrated dedication to sport-specific training and personal fitness
- Have displayed skill growth in a specific sport and/or demonstrated personal growth (ex – improved self-confidence, increased independence, enhanced social skills)
- Have demonstrated positive sportsmanship conduct
Volunteers who are eligible for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Volunteer of the Year Award:
- Have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteering with Special Olympics programs
- Have made significant positive difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes, fostering their growth, confidence and success
- Serve as an inspiring role model by encouraging inclusivity, teamwork and sportsmanship
- Foster an inclusive environment within the Special Olympics community and beyond
- Go beyond the expected responsibilities, showing initiative, creativity and dedication in their support of the Special Olympics movement.
Hall of Fame
Established 1996 • Presented every other year at Summer Games
Special Olympics Pennsylvania established the Hall of Fame in 1996 to honor the hard work, dedication and contributions of outstanding athletes and volunteers who have achieved incredible feats on the field of play and in their communities. These individuals exemplify the very best of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and it is our honor to induct one athlete and one volunteer into the Hall of Fame biennially.
Past Hall of Fame Recipients
Explore the inspiring stories of all Hall of Fame inductees who have made extraordinary contributions to Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
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Athletes who are eligible for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame:
- Have participated in Special Olympics for a minimum of 10 years.
- Have demonstrated dedication to sport-specific training and competition.
- Have displayed skill growth in specific sport and/or have demonstrated personal growth off the playing field through opportunities such as Athlete Leadership.
- Have demonstrated positive sportsmanship conduct (i.e., motivates coaches and fellow athletes to strive for personal growth, maintains positive attitude both on and off the playing field, etc.). Volunteers who are eligible for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame:
- Have had no less than 10 years of ongoing involvement in Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
- Have demonstrated positive integrity and continued loyalty to the Special Olympics program.
- Have gone “above and beyond” to support Special Olympics athletes and/or the Special Olympics Pennsylvania program.
Clare Walsh Miller Award
Presented annually at Fall Festival
Soon after her arrival in 1989, Clare Walsh Miller (former Chief Programming Officer) introduced Athlete Leadership programs to Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Just like any other leader, Athlete Leaders need a good Mentor to support them in their quest to learn and grow and become the best Athlete Leader they can be. A good mentor evaluates the skills and development needs of their Athlete Leader and then works with them to help them build on their existing skills and develop new ones.
The Clare Walsh Miller Award celebrates a mentor who has shown tremendous support and dedication to their Athlete Leader.
Nominate a Mentor
Know an outstanding mentor who deserves recognition? Nominate them for the Clare Walsh Miller Award.
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Volunteers who are eligible for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Clare Walsh Miller Award:
- Have demonstrated ongoing commitment to the Athlete Leadership program.
Who can nominate a mentor for the Clare Walsh Miller award?
Nominations for the Clare Walsh Miller Award will be accepted yearly between and . Any nominations submitted outside of this window will be considered during the following awards cycle.
