Hall of Fame  

2001 Inductees

Dorothy Delval, Volunteer, Washington County
With Dorothy's selection, she and her son Danny become the first mother and son to be elected to the Hall of Fame. That seems appropriate for someone to whom family is of paramount importance. A mother of eight, Dorothy is also a valued member of the Special Olympics Washington County family, where she has volunteered for over 25 years and has been a management team member for over 20. Dorothy has officially served as the treasurer, but unofficially she has helped with fundraising, outreach, families, training, and competition. In addition, she had coached aquatics, roller skating, basketball, and volleyball and attended state competitions since 1982.
 

Mary Jeannerat, Athlete, Clarion County
Mary is a versatile and highly decorated athlete who has trained and competed in every sport Clarion County offers -- starting with athletics, bowling and equestrian 14 years ago. Since that time, Mary has jumped at the chance to learn new sports and has competed at the state level in seven sports. Mary's life changed when she became a Special Olympics athlete, and it changed even more dramatically when she became a Global Messenger. Even though it takes Mary several days of practice before she can give a presentation, she has given more than 40 in the past five years. This dedication led her to be honored as Special Olympics Pennsylvania's Global Messenger of the Year in 1997.

 

Fred Love, Athlete, Lehigh County (posthumous)
As one volunteer wrote about Special Olympics athletes: "Forgiveness and love are as natural to them as breathing." That, in 10 words, would sum up how the Lehigh County family described Fred, who passed away in May 2000. Fred was always the one who other athletes looked to for support, who rallied the team, who played through pain without complaint, and who continued to cheer on his teammates when he could no play himself. In addition to his outstanding sportsmanship, Fred was an accomplished athlete. He participated in Special Olympics for more than 25 years and trained and competed in basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and bowling.
 

Regina Mancuso, Volunteer, Area N
Over 25 years ago, there was a track and field meet that Regina organized for Special Olympics athletes in her area. Today, Regina is still there and still in charge as the manager of the Franklin and Adams program that has grown to nine sports and 600 athletes. In addition to being manager of day-to-day operations for over 20 years, Regina is certified to coach six sports, went to World Games four times, served on the state's sports advisory committee, and served on Special Olympics Pennsylvania's Board of Directors for a decade. If success is measured by how many people's lives you have touched, Regina -- and her legendary dedication to her athletes on and off the field -- more than fills the bill.
 

Heather McCrea, Athlete, Allegheny County
Winter doldrums is a concept that Heather doesn't understand. That's because this talented athlete trains in five winter sports: speed skating, figure skating, bowling, alpine skiing, and basketball. Winter sports are only the tip of the iceberg, as Heather has also participated in soccer, softball, single and Unified bowling, athletics, rowing, aquatics, and team handball. Heather has not missed a single state event in the past 6 years. At the 1995 World Games, she was a member of the Allegheny County team handball team that won a bronze medal. In addition, Heather completed the Global Messenger Training program to become an official athlete spokesperson for Pennsylvania in 2000.
 

Deon Warner, Athlete, Erie City
Deon has made a name for himself as an athlete, a role model, a good sport, and a speaker. Despite his many accomplishments, Deon remains humble and continues to live by the mantra instilled in him as a youngster by his grandmother: Do your best. A successful history of participation and competition since 1979 has filled Deon's trophy case with more than 70 medals and ribbons. In addition, Deon has worked extremely hard to become a spokesperson, which has been a real challenge for someone so shy and reserved as a youngster. But his hard work ethic has paid off here as well, as he has spoken to college classes, to civic groups, and at awards banquets.