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 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. 

The 2013 Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 16th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Philadelphia, PA.   This year's honorees include Aerotek as the Chairman's Choice Award recipient and The Billy Frost Benefit Concert as the Al Senavitis Lifetime Achievement Award inductee.

Thursday, May 16th, 2013
5:30pm –7:00pm
Reception and Silent Auction
7:00pm –9:00pm
Dinner and Induction Ceremony

For more information about Hall of Fame, how to attend, and available sponsorship opportunities, please contact Eric Cushing, VP of Marketing & Development, at 610-630-9450 x229 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Hall of Fame History

Click here to see our complete list of Hall of Famers!

The 2012 Hall of Fame Dinner and Ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Philadelphia, PA.  

On Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania inducted four of its finest athletes and two of its most dedicated volunteers into the 2012 Hall of Fame inductee class. In addition, The Knights of Columbus - PA State Council received the prestigious Chairman’s Choice Award and Rev. Anthony Yazge, Antiochian Village Camp Director, received the Al Senavitis Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2012 Hall of Fame Dinnerand Auction, presented by Sovereign Bank and SAP, Inc., raised $161,000 for nearly 20,000 athletes across the state of Pennsylvania.

(From left to right) Bernard Parent, retired Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame Goaltender; Special Olympics PA President and CEO Matt Aaron;  George Koch, State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus – PA State Council; Rev. Anthony Yazge;  Jaiquawn Jarrett, Philadelphia Eagles safety; and Don Tollefson, Veteran Philadelphia Sports Broadcaster.

2012 Inductees Include :

Diana L. Dunbar, Butler County Athlete

Michael Gray, Warren County Athlete

Craig Robert Maurer, Bethlehem City Athlete

Mark Medora, Lancaster County Athlete

Roxanne Dubbs, York County Volunteer

Judith M. Voron, Montgomery County Volunteer

Event Photos: 

Click here to view event photos.

 Click here to see our complete list of Hall of Famers!