Hall of Fame  

2003 Inductees

Ben Church
Ask Ben Church about Special Olympics and he will tell you that the program is about spirit, acceptance, and finding the best in everyone.

Ben began competing in Blair County's Special Olympics program in 1982 and has trained in nine sports- athletics, basketball, bowling, bocce, cross country skiing, soccer, softball and artistic and speed roller skating. His dedication earned him a gold medal in artistic skating at the 2001 State Fall Games, and a spot on Team USA at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Outside of Special Olympics, his accomplishments also include a black belt in karate where he is known for his focus, flexibility, and willingness to help others.

In 20 years, Ben has earned a total of 130 gold, silver and bronze medals.  A pioneer of the SOPA athlete leadership movement, he has served as the athlete representative to Blair County's volunteer management team and is the founder of the athlete management committee.

In 1991, the Blair County Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) recognized Ben for his efforts as an advocate.  That same year, another advocacy group, Today's Generation, Speaking for Ourselves, also presented him with a leadership award.  It is no surprise that he went on to serve as that organization's president.

A volunteer with the Home Nursing Agency ACEL program, Ben assists with operations and the care of individuals with profound mental retardation and multi-physical disabilities.  Ben's cheerfulness, patience, empathy and deep appreciation of people make him a caregiver in the truest sense of the word.

Robert Cook
Robert Cook never seeks the limelight.  Not known for flamboyance or superior skills, his coaches and teammates know him rather for his optimism, persistence and sense of fairness.

Over the years he has competed for Montgomery County in alpine skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling, floor hockey, soccer, and softball at the local and state levels. He was a member of two gold medal winning floor hockey teams that competed in the San Diego Invitational in 1996 and 1998. He also competed at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in cycling. On the field, he is the first to stop playing if another player is hurt, and the last to boast about his accomplishments.

As the captain of his 5v5 soccer team for the past four years, he leads by example, even if that means not starting a game. Robert never makes excuses no matter what the circumstances. One year at State Fall Games, Robert's dad became ill and had to be hospitalized. Everyone knew Robert was worried, but he still played his best and gave his all.

Robert's honesty is legendary. In fact, one year at Fall Games, he accidentally tripped another soccer player as he was going for the ball. Before the official could say anything, Robert confessed: "My fault. I tripped him. I know it." A direct kick was awarded to the opposing team and they scored a goal to tie the game. Robert was rewarded for his honesty, however, when his team won in overtime.

Robert exemplifies the true spirit of Special Olympics -- an accomplished athlete, with the heart of a champion.

Dan Kolb
Dan Kolb is a Special Olympics Pennsylvania veteran and a sportsman. A competitor for 27 years, Dan is motivated by a tremendous sense of responsibility towards his fellow athletes.

Dan joined Special Olympics in the 1970s, after being inspired by the movie "Rocky."   Fueled by motivation, he trained in aquatics and athletics, and even learned the breaststroke in one night!  Dan's friendliness and desire to work with others also led him to pivotal roles on Chester County's soccer team and basketball team.

Dan found his greatest love and success on the tennis court. His skills earned him trips to the 1995 and 1999 Special Olympics World Games, where he earned a gold medal in men's singles and a bronze medal in mixed doubles.  Since his first days of competition, he has earned a total of 70 medals.

Dan's desire to influence others, led him to become a Global Messenger several years ago.  In 1999, his outstanding speaking skills landed him a scholarship to the rigorous 12-week Dale Carnegie public speaking course.  In 2000, he became the first athlete to join the Global Messenger training team, leading a weekend training session for his fellow athletes.

Dan is still going strong in tennis, but these days he's also trying his hand in a new role.  Recently completing coach's certification training in bocce, he hopes to field a team at this year's State Fall Games.

Because of his abilities to always strive for self-improvement and share what he's learned with others, Dan is a hero and friend to all who meet him.

Robert Solonoski
Dedicated.  Enthusiastic.  Motivated.  Friendly.  Kind. Big-hearted. When you ask someone to describe Robert Solonoski, these are the words you hear.

From the time he started competing in Special Olympics 13 years ago, Robert's motto has been, "Just try."  This principle prompted him to compete in four sports - aquatics, athletics, bowling and powerlifting - earning him an impressive 53 gold, silver and bronze medals along the way.

Robert reached an athletic career highlight by lettering as a member of the Hazleton Area High School swim team for four years.  In 1995 his hard work landed him a spot at the Susquehanna Valley regional high school swim meet where he earned a bronze medal in the 50-yard freestyle event. 

In 2000, Robert decided that he wanted to share his Special Olympics experiences with others and decided to try being a Global Messenger.  In this role, he has given numerous speeches encouraging potential athletes and volunteers to get involved.

In addition, Robert doesn't hesitate to try things outside the realm of sports and Special Olympics.  For the past 15 years, he has been an altar server in his church, and more recently he has volunteered at the local YWCA/YMCA 5K run. 

Robert Solonoski's true gift is motivating others.  You can often see him with one arm around an athlete's shoulder saying, "You can do it.  Keep trying."   He believes so strongly in the power of perseverance and resilience that he knows trying is the best thing to do.  That's what makes him an inspiring and reliable family member, friend, co-worker and a faithful teammate.

Norman Mulgrave
Norm Mulgrave began volunteering with Special Olympics in Allegheny County starting in 1975. Over the years he has been a committed coach, a persistent fundraiser and has strived for excellence on the county's management team.

It was Norm and a fellow coach who worked nonstop to learn the rules and train athletes in a new sport - team handball.  As a result, twelve Allegheny County athletes brought home a gold medal from World Games in Minnesota and they sent a second team to World Games four years later.

It was Norm who helped to start Allegheny County's successful golf program. Today, 50 athletes train and five Allegheny County golf athletes have gone to two World Games.

And it was Norm, who at over the age of 70 became a certified figure skating coach when his son David developed a passion for skating. Thanks to Norm's devotion, not a single Allegheny County figure skater has ever missed a State Winter Games.  In 2001, a proud Norm traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, to watch David win two gold medals at World Games.

Special Olympics is only a part of Norm Mulgrave's life of advocacy. He has served on countless boards, including serving as chairman of the board of the Allegheny County Association of Retarded Citizens.  In 1974, he also established Citizen Care, an organization to provide services to individuals with special needs. 

Throughout his life, Norm has received much recognition, but in 2002, the board of Citizen Care announced the creation of the Dr. Norman W. Mulgrave Award for Advocacy as a lasting tribute to this relentless pioneer.

Robert Young
Some people are ahead of their time.  Bob Young, armed with a degree in physical education, began serving individuals with mental retardation in Chester County 50 years ago. Bob first went to work for the Devereux Foundation in 1952, and when Special Olympics arrived in Chester County in 1977, he immediately recognized what the movement could do for Devereux's clients.

For the last 25 years, "Youngie," as he is affectionately known, served as a Special Olympics coordinator for three Devereux campuses, arranging training and competition opportunities for 300-400 resident athletes.  He began with athletics, and over the years added aquatics, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.  In 2002, at age 74, Bob added another sport - choosing to organize Chester County's new bocce program, himself.

Over his remarkable career, Bob has served as an athletics coach; head of delegation for State Summer Games; organized many track and field events; provided transportation for athletes; arranged for facilities, office space, equipment and provided countless hours of help.

Bob's passion for Special Olympics is rooted in his belief that it provides athletes with an outlet for natural competitive desires; teaches concentration and control; and leaves them with much needed discipline and self-esteem -- simply by their participation.

That's the gift Bob has given to approximately 2,500 athletes who have benefited from the program under his supervision.  Perhaps that's why so many athletes came to shake his hand on "Bob Young Day" at Devereux, a recent event celebrating his 50th anniversary with the organization. An appropriate tribute to a man who has helped to change lives through Special Olympics.