Hall of Fame  

2000 Inductees

Paul Bettendorf, Athlete, Central Susquehanna
An athlete since 1988, Paul first took up powerlifting and continues to train and compete in that sport. He has also become a skilled basketball player, swimmer, and award-winning bowler. When you consider that Paul has cerebral palsy, his success becomes even more impressive. Each time Paul had surgery on his legs, he returned to his training as soon as he was allowed. In 1995, Paul competed at the World Games and won a gold medal, bronze medal, and sixth-place ribbon. Statistics do not capture the essence of Paul: He is the most positive player on every team and the first person to congratulate competitors.
 

Becky Fischer, Athlete, Centre County
Becky Fischer is one of the many unsung heroes of the Special Olympics movement who underlie the organization's success. To look at her, you might not think of her as a pioneer, but she is. She began in the program in 1982 and was a steady competitor at local and state events. She reached her athletic pinnacle at the 1991 World Games where she won three gold medals in powerlifting. In 1993, Becky decided she was ready to move into a new phase in her life: She decided to be a Special Olympics coach. In her new role, she has flourished and now serves on her county's management team.
 

Judy Kovacs, Volunteer, Northampton County
During her 24-year involvement with Special Olympics, Judy has been called a visionary and a pioneer for her work in developing new programs to help the athletes. For example, in 1976 she started "Special Special Olympics" that modified rules to meet the needs of the most-challenged athletes, and she has been its event director for all 24 years. Over the years she has pioneered other programs in addition to assisting at events throughout her region. Simply stated, Judy is a leader among her peers and has gained the respect and love of all those in her life. Her outstanding leadership skills are only outweighed by her kindness.
 

Janene Miller, Athlete, Tioga County
In 1976, when Janene first competed in a local competition, her mother had to carry her from event to event because of her weak heart muscle. Now, however, Janene is not only strong enough to get herself from event to event, but she also has achieved great success. Part of her success is because of heart surgery, but most of it is because of her desire to compete. During her World Games training, she worked with a personal trainer three days each week for 3 1/2 months. Her hard work paid off as this four-foot-seven, 100-pound athlete dead-lifted 132.5 pounds, bench-pressed 80 pounds and won two gold medals and one silver medal.
 

David Mulgrave, Athlete, Allegheny County
For David, there is no off-season. While his first love is figure skating, he trains in eight sports during the year and has competed in 11 sports during his career. His dedication and versatility have served him well as he has competed at three World Games: speed-skating at the 1989 games and team handball at the 1991 and 1995 games. His behavior off the court makes him a real role model: He is a positive leader who is always encouraging and cheering for fellow athletes. For David, there is no off-season in his training or his commitment to his teammates and friends.
 

Linda Sloan, Volunteer, Clarion County
Every local program has a person like Linda who serves as the cornerstone -- the person who has weathered the storms and celebrated the achievements. Linda's unique ability to provide leadership has helped her contribute significantly to the program. As a management team member for more than 20 years, she has been the glue that has held the program together. In addition, she has coached athletics for 27 years, coaches four other sports, and has served as the fundraising and the outreach coordinator. For more than two decades, Linda has helped lay a solid foundation on which the Clarion County program continues to build.

Sheetz Inc., Chairman's Choice
The family-run, Altoona-based convenience store chain, Sheetz Inc. first began sponsoring Special Olympics in 1991, with a coupon-book campaign that raised $10,000. Since then, Sheetz has become a Premier Sponsor, and its total donation of funds and products has amounted to $1 million dollars over the past decade. The company's community service and generosity is evident, too, as Sheetz employees and family members volunteer at Special Olympics events throughout the year. They also donate and make the M.T.O. -- Made to Order -- sandwiches that have become a favorite with Special Olympics athletes at sectional and state events across Pennsylvania.