PRESS RELEASE
October 5, 2005

Distinguished Service Awards 
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(Great Falls, Montana) Special Olympics Montana recently honored recipients of the prestigious statewide Distinguished Service Awards during its annual Fall Leadership Conference September 30 – October 2 in Great Falls. The Blankenbaker Foundation and Montana State University – College of Technology/Great Falls sponsored the event. Individuals, organizations and businesses from across the state were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Special Olympics Montana. 

The recipients were nominated statewide by volunteers, coaches, sponsors, families and supporters of Special Olympics Montana and selected by a committee representing the organization’s various constituents such as athletes, coaches, Board of Directors, families, Area Directors and staff. More than 225 guests assembled at the Great Falls International Airport’s Panorama Room to celebrate the spirit of Special Olympics with dinner, music and recognition of the award recipients. 

Following are the statewide recipients of the 2005 Special Olympics Montana Distinguished Service Awards:

Special Olympics Montana 2005 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Kenneth Hedrich, BOZEMAN
Kenneth Hedrich, Special Olympics athlete from Bozeman, was recently named the 2005 Special Olympics Montana Athlete of the Year. During the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet in Great Falls, Hedrich was held up as the athlete who epitomizes the spirit of a true winner by a willingness to help others and give his very best while displaying outstanding courage and sportsmanship.

Hedrich is a participant in multiple Special Olympics sports, including basketball, bowling, bocce and golf. and alpine skiing. In 1999, he was a member of the US Special Olympics team and competed in bowling events at the World Summer Games in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. There, he won two gold medals and a bronze medal.

Hedrich is familiar throughout Bozeman and the surrounding area where he is a key fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known for his twinkling smile, friendly enthusiasm and good humor, Hedrich is also a tremendous supporter of his fellow Special Olympics athletes and an ambassador for those new to the organization. He is kind, warm and leaves a lasting impression on others – truly a representative of the Special Olympics spirit. 

(For a complete transcript of Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie’s remarks about Kenneth Hedrich, please contact Vicki Dunham at 800-242-6876.)

Special Olympics Montana HALL OF FAME – Jim Kack, BOZEMAN
The Special Olympics Montana Hall of Fame Award notes lifetime achievement by a person who gives the highest service to the mission of Special Olympics. Jim Kack of Bozeman received the award in 2005 and was honored during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls recently. A recipient of the Hall of Fame award demonstrates strength of character that inspires athletes, volunteers, parents and all others.

Kack is a longtime volunteer, former Special Olympics Montana board member and a successful businessman. Kack got involved with Special Olympics Montana in 1990 when first elected to the Board of Directors. In 1993, he was key to launching the annual Bresnan Communications/Chevy Raffle for Special Olympics Montana that has raised more than $1.8 in the time since. Following his tenure on the board, he has continued to contribute knowledge, expertise and fundraising support to the organization. 

In addition to his contributions to Special Olympics Montana statewide, Kack is a key supporter to Special Olympics athletes in the Bozeman area. Local volunteers and athletes know him as the go-to person for program growth. He is an important component in the planning and visioning process. He also provides valuable counsel to Special Olympics Montana, and has mentored many staff and board members. Kack is described as a dedicated, unselfish and kind person whose willingness to serve the Special Olympics mission is second to none. 


THE SPIRIT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS – Todd Hoar, BUTTE
Todd Hoar, Executive Director of the Butte Silverbow Developmental Disabilities Council, has been awarded the 2005 Spirit of Special Olympics Award by Special Olympics Montana. Given during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls recently, the award is reserved for an individual volunteer who, through his or her long term commitment to Special Olympics Montana, best exemplifies the dedication and unselfish efforts associated with the true spirit of Special Olympics.

Hoar has served Special Olympics Montana in varied ways since his own youth when he began as a teen organizer of the SPARCS organization that continues to operate in the Butte school system. His other Special Olympics accomplishments include coaching many Special Olympics sports, serving as volunteer Southwestern Area Director and member of the Area Management Team, and involvement in many fundraising events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. 

Hoar is widely respected for his advocacy of individuals with intellectual disabilities both during his tenure at BSW, Inc. in Butte, and in his current position with the Butte Silverbow Developmental Disabilities Council. He has made it his life’s work to better the lives of those with disabilities. Hoar’s wife, Tammy, and daughters Kendra and Kayla are also actively involved in those pursuits, and were on hand to see him win the award. 


Outstanding FAMILY OF THE YEAR – Peggy, Terry, Skylehr and Chance Stiles of BELGRADE 
The Stiles family of Belgrade makes unique and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Montana and was honored for doing so during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls recently. 

Peggy, Terry and Chance Stiles are active volunteers for the Special Olympics Montana Belgrade Panthers where their son and brother, Skylehr, trains and competes. All members of the family are recognized for their strong dedication to Special Olympics. With Peggy Stiles coordinating the Belgrade program, it has doubled from four athletes to eight who train and compete in golf, track and field, equestrian and gymnastics. She is also an active member of the Big Sky Area Management Team and contributes to the success of the Big Sky Area Spring Games where nearly 150 athletes compete. 

Athlete Skylehr Stiles began training and competing as a Special Olympics athlete at age eight. His older brother, Chance is a Belgrade High School athlete who has supported Skylehr and his teammates over the years, as well. Skylehr raises funds for his program, too, by requesting pledges for a recent golf fundraiser and encouraging local law enforcement officers to plunge into cold water during the annual President’s Plunge. 

The Stiles family is commended for exemplary dedication and as ambassadors who want to share the joy of Special Olympics with others. 


Outstanding COACH OF THE YEAR – Tammy Matzke, BILLINGS 
Tammy Matzke of Billings was recently honored as the Special Olympics Montana Outstanding Coach of the Year for 2005 during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. She is recognized as a volunteer and certified Special Olympics coach who demonstrates the technical skill, commitment and compassion needed to train athletes for competition and for life. 

Among hundreds of talented coaches across Montana, Matzke was recognized as one of the best who is a great model for all coaches with her enormous enthusiasm, positive attitude and endless energy. 

Matzke, recently elected to the Special Olympics Montana Board of Directors, is a special education classroom teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Billings where she also coordinates the Special Olympics program throughout the Billings Public Schools. She is applauded for her dedication to coaching gymnastics for Special Olympics athletes; an unwavering focus on growing the Billings Schools program; and for the time she gives to college students who are interested in volunteering for Special Olympics. 


Outstanding ADULT VOLUNTEERS – Jean and Ernie Peters, GREAT FALLS
Jean and Ernie Peters from Great Falls were recognized art the Special Olympics Montana Distinguished Service Awards Banquet recently as Outstanding Adult Volunteers in 2005 whose work serves to further the quality of Special Olympics program at the local, area or state level. 

As longtime Special Olympics volunteers, Jean and Ernie Peters are a steady presence at state and local games competitions across Montana. They are also closely aligned to Special Olympics with their membership in the Montana chapter of the International Order of Oddfellows and Rebekahs, also a sponsor of Special Olympics Montana. Both are leaders in the Oddfellows and Rebekahs organizations, and continue as active members. 

Jean and Ernie Peters are acknowledged for their dedication to Special Olympics Montana athletes. At the State Summer Games events, they contribute to the festivities at the Olympic Village where athletes enjoy fun, refreshments and relaxation. The Peters’ are also ready volunteers for the state Special Olympics staff, where they offer their time to various projects and events. 


Outstanding YOUTH VOLUNTEER – Linsey Burton, GREAT FALLS
Linsey Burton of Great Falls received the 2005 Outstanding Youth Volunteer award during Special Olympics Montana’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. The award is given to the youth volunteer who is the best example of volunteerism by a youth that improves a Special Olympics program during 2005. 

Burton has helped teach athletes to play basketball, to snowshoe, and has assisted with all track and field events for the Great Falls Hornets team. She has been volunteering for nearly two years and has invited others to volunteer, as well. Burton also participates as a Special Olympics Unified Partner where she partners with a Special Olympics athlete in training and competition, building friendships and sensitivity. 

Burton is also effective at helping with fundraising events, including an annual Walk-A-Thon and a holiday lights display. For her work, she is regarded with respect by athletes and fellows volunteers alike. 


Outstanding LOCAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM – Special K Ranch, COLUMBUS
The Special K Ranch from Columbus was recently named the Outstanding Special Olympics Montana local program during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. As the program that best exemplifies the Special Olympics spirit and that provides a well-developed program for athletes, coaches, volunteers and families, the Special K Ranch received the award for 2005.

Under the leadership of Ranch director Mike Oberg and Special Olympics program coordinator Kenneth White, the Special Olympics program is infused into the day-to-day operation of the ranch. With special interest in basketball and winter sports training and competition, ranch residents participate in those Special Olympics sports. The ranch mission stresses individual development, on and off the playing field, reflecting both its own philosophy and the Special Olympics mission, as well. 

Special K Ranch is a working ranch where residents with intellectual disabilities reside and work. With its large greenhouse operation, the ranch raises tomatoes and bedding plants sold across Montana along with vegetables and flowers available in Billings farmers markets. The residents are deeply involved in all ranch operations. With most ranch staff residing on site, the ranch sets the standard for an enriched residential environment available to individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Outstanding STATEWIDE CORPORATION – CARQUEST / Corporate Offices in BILLINGS
The CARQUEST organization statewide, with corporate offices in Billings, was honored during Special Olympics Montana’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet as the Outstanding Statewide Business that has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana in 2005.
With local stores across Montana, CARQUEST is also the Premier International Sponsor of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Stores instate sponsor a wide variety of fundraising events including billboard and building sits, car washes, fire truck pulls, rodeo roping events and rubber duck regattas. Managers and employees also sell t-shirts and volunteer at various Special Olympics events, both locally and statewide. During April, CARQUEST designates the month Appreciation Month for Special Olympics. 

Gary Chelgren and Matt Thomas from the corporate headquarters in Billings were on hand to receive the award for the CARQUEST organization statewide. 


Outstanding LOCAL BUSINESS – The Missoulian, MISSOULA
The Missoulian, western Montana’s daily news publication, was honored during Special Olympics Montana’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet as the Outstanding Local Business Sponsor for 2005. The award is given for a local business that has made big contributions to Special Olympics Montana.

With publisher John VanStrydonck and his staff in the lead, The Missoulian provided exceptional support to the State Summer Games during their stay in Missoula from 2003-2005. The Missoulian designed, published and distributed more than 40,000 copies of the State Summer Games program in each of the three years. In the third year, the program was printed in full color. They also printed all handbooks for the Games, amounting to thousands of copies. 

Missoulian staff members volunteered for administrative duties during the Games where they gave countless hours at the phone, information locations and entering data. They are noted for their dedication, positive attitude and generous spirit. The staff and organization at The Missoulian modeled community giving with their gifts of financial and human resource for three consecutive years. 

Outstanding MEDIA SUPPORT – Clear Channel Radio, BILLINGS
KSEN / K96 FM in Shelby received the Outstanding Media Support Distinguished Service Award for 2005 at the Special Olympics Montana Distinguished Service Award Banquet in Great Falls recently. The award is given to the radio, television or newspaper outlet or individual who, through media support, has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana. Program Director Jim Sargent and Mark Daniels were on hand to receive the award. 

KSEN is cited as a winner because its radio support of Special Olympics began more than twenty years ago. The station promotes all fundraising events, including Law Enforcement Torch Run activities, Christmas tree and bake sales. Local Special Olympics athletes can count on hearing their names and competition results on the radio, just like other local athletes, where their success is applauded. 

KSEN has been the site and promoter of “Stand Up for Special Olympics”, a Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser in Shelby that raised over $60,000 in three years. Success is credited to KSEN for full-day coverage and radio staff who helped with organization and bookkeeping. In 2005, KSEN also provided lively support for the 1st Annual Motorcycle Poker Run where riders raised money traveling Glacier Park’s Going to the Sun Road. In addition, Jim Sargent has provided media training to law enforcement officers and the station staff has recorded a promotional Torch Run tape that is used statewide. 

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 1.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org

Contact: Vicki Dunham, VP Field Service
vdunham@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
P.O. Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
1-800-242-6876
406-268-6759