Ames, IA – AMES, IOWA – Special Olympics Iowa honored its Outstanding Volunteers, Corporate and New Business Partners, Media Partner, and Summer Games Committee members at the annual MVP Reception May 19. The reception is held every year before the Summer Games Opening Ceremony Presented by Hy-Vee at Johnny's in the Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University.
Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year – Liz Rusher
Liz Rusher has served as a Head Coach and Area Director for over 20 years. She works diligently to provide high quality sports competition to each athlete in her designated area. She also travels with her athletes to state competitions to ensure their participation at the state level. She works with the state office to schedule sport training clinics in her area so that the coaches will provide quality training for the athletes giving them the opportunity to compete at the highest level possible.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year – Kayla Erps
The recipient of the 2016 Youth Volunteer Award is Kayla Erps of Grimes. Kayla, a recent ISU graduate, started to volunteer for Special Olympics while in the third grade with her Girl Scout troop. She continued to volunteer at Challenge Day events as well as the State Bowling Tournament for the next 14 years. Kayla assists with the Healthy Athletes program at the Summer Games.
The recipient of the 2016 Youth Volunteer Award is Kayla Erps of Grimes. Kayla, a recent ISU graduate, started to volunteer for Special Olympics while in the third grade with her Girl Scout troop. She continued to volunteer at Challenge Day events as well as the State Bowling Tournament for the next 14 years. Kayla assists with the Healthy Athletes program at the Summer Games.
Summer Games Committee Award – Erin Rosacker, Kate Bruns, Aaron Steffen, Deb Larkin
Erin Rosacker and Kate Bruns are a duo that continues to keep our athletes, coaches, family members, guests and volunteers “IN THE KNOW”! They have innovative ideas and their desire to manage all things Information & Publicity means more efficient and effective communications during the Games.
Erin Rosacker and Kate Bruns are a duo that continues to keep our athletes, coaches, family members, guests and volunteers “IN THE KNOW”! They have innovative ideas and their desire to manage all things Information & Publicity means more efficient and effective communications during the Games.
Deb Larkin with ISU Police and Aaron Steffen with the ISU Department of Public Safety are a team that provides efficient collaboration with the management and facilitation of logistic traffic flow during the Games. They monitor and effectively patrol lots and roadways for the safety and security of our athletes, coaches, family members, volunteers and guests while they enjoy the various aspects of the Summer Games experience.
Television Media Partner of the Year – We Are Iowa, Local ABC News
We Are Iowa, Local ABC News has a segment about Special Olympics Iowa on their midday newscast every month. An athlete is invited on air to talk about their accomplishments and upcoming events for Special Olympics. The Channel 5 team has also participated in Special Olympics Polar Plunges and Over the Edge events.
Outstanding Corporate Partner of the Year – Lincoln Savings Bank
Lincoln Savings Bank became a Premier Statewide Partner of Special Olympics Iowa in 2015 after agreeing to become the Presenting Sponsor of the West Des Moines and Cedar Falls/Waterloo Polar Plunges. A group of athletes attended a banking 101 education session at the Clive branch of the bank and a Global Messenger spoke to staff at the annual Lincoln Savings Bank University Conference.
Outstanding New Business Partner – VOYA Financial
VOYA Financial helped Special Olympics Iowa bring back the fall fundraising event, Tailgate for Teammates. They stepped up to the plate to help get the event off the ground and make over $50,000 in its first year back. They have since been able to recruit volunteers and more supporters for Special Olympics and all the athletes.
The Summer Games are open to the public and admission is free. The public is encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes as they compete. For more information on Special Olympics Iowa, visit our website at www.soiowa.org or call 515-986-5520.
(Submitted by Stephanie Kocer)
#####
Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA), a statewide nonprofit organization, provides high-quality training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 99 counties of Iowa. SOIA offers 23 Olympic-style sports to more than 13,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners year-round.
Since 1968, Special Olympics has provided an inclusive culture that stresses athletic excellence, rewards determination, emphasizes health and celebrates personal achievement. Through Special Olympics sports training and competition, children and adults with intellectual disabilities reach their full potential and experience inclusion in their communities every day.
