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There are no typical Special Olympics athletes. They are young and old, from across town and across the world. They do, however, share one important character trait: a competitive fire to do their personal best. Their commitment and perseverance are so intense that everyone around them is positively affected.
That is why Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) established the Hall of Fame: to share with a larger audience the inspiring stories of individuals who had heard "you can't do it" all through their lives -- but proved that they could once they were given a chance.
The SOPA Hall of Fame honors athletes and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions both on and off the field of competition. The dual purpose of this prestigious event is to raise public awareness about the talents of our athletes and raise the funds necessary to sustain the incredible growth of the Special Olympics movement here in Pennsylvania.
Inductees
We have thousands of success stories of individuals who have benefited from participating in SOPA. But each year we choose only four athletes and two volunteers who have demonstrated positive integrity and continued loyalty to the Special Olympics program, thereby upholding the honor of the organization.
The athletes who are honored must have participated in Special Olympics for a minimum of eight years. They must have illustrated skill growth in a specific sport, exhibited outstanding sportsmanship, and recruited eligible athletes into the Special Olympics program. All volunteers must meet strict requirements, including 10 years of ongoing involvement in Special Olympics, participation at various levels (such as coaching, games management), and the active recruitment of athletes and volunteers.
A panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from across the state makes the selections based on these criteria.
Dinner and Ceremony
The 2011 Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Philadelphia, PA.
The Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony features luminaries from the sports and political world who act as presenters. In previous years presenters have included Joe Paterno, Dick Vermeil, Governor Tom Ridge, and Franco Harris. The event also selects a Chairman’s Choice and/or Lifetime Achievement Award recipients to recognize outstanding corporate and community support.
Hall of Fame History
Click here to see our complete list of Hall of Famers!
On Wednesday, May 18, Special Olympics Pennsylvania inducted four of its finest athletes and two of its most dedicated volunteers into the 2011 Hall of Fame inductee class. In addition, Sovereign Bank received the prestigious Chairman’s Choice Award and Mary Meder, President of Harmelin Media received the Al Senavitis Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2011 Hall of Fame Dinner was presented by Sovereign Bank and SAP, Inc.
2011 Inductees Include :
Kevin Boyles, Lycoming County Athlete
Krista Genter, Blair County Athlete
Timothy Spence, Butler County Athlete
George Updegraff, York County Athlete
Shirley Lindgren, Bethlehem City Volunteer
Bob Lopez, Lancaster County Volunteer
Event Photos and Videos:
Click here to view event photos.
Click here to view our Al Senavitis Tribute Video.
Click here to see our complete list of Hall of Famers!
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