For Immediate Release October 12, 2009		Contact: Tammy Peterson VP Field Services tpeterson@somt.org Special Olympics Montana PO Box 3507 Great Falls, MT  59403

Outstanding Honorees announced at Banquet

Special Olympics Montana 
Distinguished Service Awards

(Great Falls, MT; 10 October, 2009) – Special Olympics Montana recently honored recipients of the prestigious statewide Distinguished Service Awards during its annual Fall Leadership Conference October 9 – October 11 in Great Falls. The Montana State University College of Technology at Great Falls hosted the event. Other support was provided by the Joseph N. Blankenbaker Charitable Foundation; Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Montana; Special Olympics Project UNIFY, the Great Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union; and the Oro y Plata Foundation. 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, athletes, coaches, sponsors, families and supporters of Special Olympics Montana and selected by a committee representing the organization’s various constituents including athletes, coaches, Board of Directors, families, Area Directors and staff. More than 200 guests assembled at the Great Falls Civic Center’s Convention Hall to recognize the award recipients and to celebrate the ties that draw us together in support of the Special Olympics movement.

Following are the recipients of the 2009 Special Olympics Montana statewide Distinguished Service Awards:

Special Olympics Montana 2009 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Mike Schaff, Helena

Mike Schaff, Special Olympics athlete from Helena, was recently named the 2009 Special Olympics Montana Athlete of the Year. During the organization's annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet in Great Falls, Schaff 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.
(pictured at left: Mike Schaff. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

Mike Schaff, has been participating in Special Olympics for 24 years. He is a spirited competitor in the shot put and running events, and he also trains and competes in bowling, cross country skiing and basketball with Special Olympics. Schaff has also participated in a number of Governor Cups. He works hard to raise funds for the Tri-County Area, last year selling over 300 Bresnan/Chevy raffle tickets to become the #1 raffle ticket seller in the Tri-County area.

An advocate for others, Schaff serves on boards and committees across Montana, most notably People First of Montana and the Montana Disability and Health Program Advisory Board where he advocates for the human, legal and civil rights of Montanans with disabilities.

Tri County Area Director Karen Davis wrote in her nomination, “He is a true inspiration and natural leader among his fellow athletes and volunteers. Not only is he the first person to volunteer where needed but is always eager to recruit others.”

            Proudly standing to present the award, Bob Norbie, President and CEO of Special Olympics Montana, had this to say about Schaff: “Unafraid to be an advocate for others, this athlete readily supports his peers by bringing voice to issues of consequence. He has an inquiring nature, a knack for checking out the facts on issues that are important to him, and is not reluctant to speak out, asks good questions, and shares information and knowledge freely. A Global Messenger since 2005, this athlete takes his role very seriously and has made a profound impression on various audiences who are inspired by his message. He has spoken to many groups about the power of Special Olympics in his life including the Montana Correctional Association, the Montana Police Protective Association, The State Basketball Tournament Families Dinner, the Montana Sheriff’s & Peace Officers Association, and the Montana Police Academy.”

(For a complete transcript of Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie’s remarks, please contact us at info@somt.org or 800-242-6876.)

Additional coverage in the Helena Independent Record. Read the article...

Special Olympics Montana HALL OF FAME –Gail Sheets, Billings

The Special Olympics Montana Hall of Fame Award notes lifetime achievement by a person or persons who give the highest service to the mission of Special Olympics. In 2009, the award was given to Gail Sheets of Billings during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. A recipient of the Hall of Fame award demonstrates strength of character that inspires athletes, volunteers, parents and all others.
(pictured at left: Gail Sheets. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

            Vicki Dunham, Chief Operating Officer of Special Olympics Montana, who presented the award on behalf of the organization, said that Gail Sheets is, “a quiet motivator with a giving spirit who makes those around her want to be better people.”

Dunham also described Sheets as a person who “entirely ‘gets it’ about Special Olympics … that we are models of behavior and good conscience, whether athletes, volunteers, coaches, families. And that EVERY athlete is important and worthy of our time.
“She is a mainstay of Special Olympics activity where she scribes notes for every Area Management Team meeting. She is the rock on whom Global Messenger athletes rely to get them prepared and organized as speakers. Few fundraising events occur without her attendance. She is there from set-up to take-down, and then ready for the next event, working without need for applause or payback. “

For more than two decades of exemplary achievements, Special Olympics Montana is proud to present the 2009 Hall of Fame Award to Gail Sheets of Billings.

(For a complete transcript of Special Olympics Montana COO Vicki Dunham’s remarks, please contact us at info@somt.org or 800-242-6876.)

THE SPIRIT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS – Vanessa Browning, Billings

Vanessa Browning of Billings, has been awarded the 2009 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.
(pictured at left: Vanessa Browning. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

Browning is absolutely passionate about Special Olympics, and has been sharing her heart with athletes, coaches, families and competition directors for nearly 15 years. She started as a Unified Partner in high school, and is now a level four coach in athletics, soccer, alpine skiing and basketball, and a level two coach in power lifting, bowling and floor hockey.

Athletes who nominated her for the Spirit Award told us they thought she should get the award because she “goes out of her way to teach all of us the right way to do our sports.” According to her Area Director, their Area skiing program would be non-existent without her tireless efforts with Eagle Mount, and she is responsible for most of the coaches’ training conducted in their area.

The parent of an athlete said in a letter nominating Browning, “I had no idea just how far the kids in her program had come-just how far my own little girl had come- until that warm spring day, when I stepped in Daylis Stadium. There I saw the Highland Elementary banners flying in the stands and on the field, and my daughter among the proud athletes. I watched each one of the Highland athletes surpass their goals, but more importantly, they each knew within themselves it was possible.
“She gave them that gift. They will carry it throughout life. I believe that this truly exemplifies what the Spirit of Special Olympics is all about.”

Outstanding FAMILY OF THE YEAR – The (Hallie) Schelling Family, Olney

The Schelling family of Olney was honored, during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls, for making unique and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Montana recently.
(pictured at left: Nicole, Tarey, Hallie and Bruce Schelling. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

The Schelling family participates in Special Olympics on all levels: Athlete, Coach, Chaperone, Unified Partner, and in any way needed. Tarey Schelling, mom of athlete Hallie Schelling, embraces all of the athletes on the team as if they were her own children, and she willingly adjusts her work and personal schedules to accommodate practices throughout the year. Hallie’s older sister Nicole helps coach all three seasons and often puts her own athletic career of High School softball on hold, if that competition and training schedule conflicts with Hallie’s. Husband and Dad, Bruce, supports the many travel nights away from home and long hours spent organizing team rosters and practices.

Hallie has gone from being a shy, quiet girl, to a bold and assertive athlete unafraid to confidently ask strangers to buy raffle tickets to support Special Olympics. High school students in their community practically beg to be part of the team because they can see the level of training, competition and fun Special Olympics athletes are having. Team Whitefish is thriving and fit for the future in large part because of the compassion, caring and dedication to excellence of the Schelling family.

Outstanding COACH OF THE YEAR – Ray Mitchell, Kalispell

Ray Mitchell, coach of the Kalispell Krushers, was recently honored as the Special Olympics Montana Outstanding Coach of the Year for 2009 during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. He 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.
(pictured at left: coach Ray Mitchell. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

His nominators credit him with the following accomplishments:

• He has started two Special Olympics Teams and his newest team has gone from 6 to 22 athletes in one year!

• One of his athletes is on the Special Olympics Board of Directors and another is an Athlete Ambassador on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Council.

• His commitment to year round training and skills development has allowed a number of athletes to move from individual skills competitions into team play.

• One athlete he coaches says, “He is fun, professional and a great motivator all at the same time.

Mitchell will go to great lengths, even painting himself in team colors and diving into icy cold water at a polar plunge, to support his team and Special Olympics Montana.

Outstanding ADULT VOLUNTEER – Lauren Ludwig, Bozeman
            Lauren Ludwig of Bozeman was recognized at the Special Olympics Montana Distinguished Service Awards Banquet recently as Outstanding Adult Volunteer in 2009 whose work serves to further the quality of Special Olympics program at the local, area and state level.
(pictured at left: Lauren Ludwig. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

            Lauren Ludwig was nominated by coaches, athletes, parents, Area Management Team Members, School District Administrators and students. As a volunteer relatively new to Special Olympics Montana, her nominators credited her with an extensive list of accomplishments that include:

• She built a peer coaching program this past season in the local high school

• She established open lines of communication with families and drew many parents back into the program.

• She reinstituted the practice of recognizing athletes at School Board meetings after each state competition.

• She was successful in getting the school district to award Special Olympics athletes varsity letters.

• She was a tireless coach who focused intently on training and skills development so her athletes could perform at top notch levels.

• When the school district proposed to cut all funding for Special Olympics, she approached the administration with a well thought out strategy and set of solutions, which they accepted to re-instate funding, thereby

Special Olympics Montana is grateful to recognize Lauren Ludwig of Bozeman as Outstanding Adult Volunteer in 2009.

Outstanding YOUTH VOLUNTEER – Kayla Hoar, Butte

Kayla Hoar of Butte received the 2009 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 embodies the best example of volunteerism by a youth that improves a Special Olympics program during 2009.
(pictured at left: Kayla Hoar. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

            Younger than most Special Olympics athletes, Kayla has been a life-long volunteer because both of her parents were involved in Special Olympics before she was born. Her dad says that as a baby, she was the biggest fan the athletes had, always cooing and smiling for anyone who wanted to talk to her.

            She has been advocating for and helping people with disabilities her entire life. As a 3rd grader she volunteered to have her voice recorded on a classmate’s communication device so when her classmate needed to say something using the device, a young girl’s voice is what the listener heard. She participates in a theatre group called Same Difference that prides themselves on being an inclusive organization that recruits people from all walks of life as performers. They have performed in Montana and Canada and their primary emphasis is on removing barriers and stereotypes people with disabilities face. She has been an active member of a youth group called SPARC’s (Special People are Real Cool) which hosts 7 dances, 2 dinners and numerous Special Olympics events each year.

            Kayla is a Unified Triathlon Partner, Dance Carnival volunteer, timer, score-keeper, photographer, ski buddy and set-up, clean up master, all while she maintains an A average in school and is an Academic All American Swimmer.

            Jodel Petroni, long time Area Director and Global Messenger instructor has said of her, “It is heartwarming to see her in action…she has that special personality that makes all athletes feel important and valued.”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Sharon Hanni, Butte

Sharon Hanni of Butte was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of outstanding service to Special Olympics Montana. She accepted the award during the organization’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet in Great Falls. This rare honor is bestowed, by the President of Special Olympics Montana, for a lifetime of dedicated service that enriches the lives of Special Olympics athletes.
(pictured at left: Sharon Hanni. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

To lend perspective to Sharon Hanni’s longevity, Special Olympics’ was founded in 1968, chartered in 1970 and Hanni began volunteering in 1972 when state games were first hosted in Butte. Since then she has been intimately involved with Special Olympics Montana 24/7, 365 days a year, for more than 35 years. From the very start, she embraced her role as a coach by attending coaches training and certification sessions whenever possible. Currently she holds certification in aquatics, bocce, bowling, basketball, gymnastics, snowshoeing, and has achieved Level III coach status because of ongoing training. In addition to coaching, Sharon Hanni has served as a chaperone, local coordinator, area management team member, area director, area competition volunteer and coordinator, games evaluator, state games co-director and as a member of our state Board of Directors.

At the banquet, Special Olympics Montana President and CEO, Bob Norbie, said of her service, “Her impact will remain indelible and serve as a benchmark for all good things to come. Our unsung heroine in her own quiet and reserved way has championed Special Olympics athletes with care, kindness and consideration. Through serious health issues of her own, she has stayed the course as Area Director, guiding, counseling and mentoring other volunteers into leadership roles and action over the years. Never one for fanfare or the need to draw attention to herself, she is that calming force who is always there for others.”

(For a complete transcript of Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie’s remarks, please contact us at info@somt.org or 800-242-6876.)

Outstanding LOCAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM – the Great Falls Hornets

The Great Falls Hornets adult program 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 Hornets received the award for 2009.
(Standing for the Great Falls Hornets pictured from left to right, gentlemen in back row: Joe Osenbach, Tom Dohrman, Jim Lowery, Josh Anderson, Tim Detmers; ladies in front row: Pat Osenbach, coach Pam Underwood, Paulette Hannah, Daisy Motschenbacher. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

Head coach Pam Underwood, coach Micky Williams, and 20 other coaches have led the Hornets for 13 years. Their years of dedication have resulted in a program that offers year round sports and training, for up to 130 athletes in 12 different sports. Coach certification is stressed to ensure the coaches are well-trained and ready to work effectively with the athletes all three seasons.

In 2009, they sold nearly 18 thousand dollars worth of raffle tickets to support their teams. Members of the Hornets are active Global Messengers, serve on the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), one of their athletes serves on Montana’s LETR Council, another served on Special Olympics Montana Board of Directors and is now employed at the state headquarters. The Great Falls Hornets offer quality training and outstanding opportunity to their athletes.

Outstanding ORGANIZATION – Law Enforcement Torch Run, Montana

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) of Montana was recently honored during Special Olympics Montana’s 2009 Distinguished Service Awards Banquet as the Out­standing Organization that has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana.
(pictured from left to right: Matt Brewer, Tina Hoeger, Chrissy Siefke, Vivienne Shockley, and Lt. Jack Allen. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

The Montana chapter of the LETR began in 1985. Since then, thousands of dollars have been raised each year for Special Olympics Montana athletes. Currently, the Torch Run begins at 10 points around the state to run the "Flame of Hope" to the State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies, while its fundraising component has grown to encompass several other events throughout the year such as billboard sits and polar plunges.

• The Montana chapter has consistently won international recognition since 1999; ranking in the top 4 organizations worldwide for highest per capita fundraising;

• They have won 1st Place at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Photography Contest;

•  Each year they cover over 2400 miles across Montana to deliver the flame of hope to the State Summer Games, raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics along the way;

• Montana athletes and officers have served on the organization’s International Torch Run Council, and have been invited to speak at international conferences about programs developed in Montana.

In 2008 the LETR raised over $350,000 for Special Olympics Montana. This remarkable feat was accomplished through the statewide torch run, polar plunges and other special event fundraisers, sponsorship pledges and Torch Run T-shirt sales. They represent the most faithful unsung heroes of Special Olympics Montana.

Outstanding CORPORATION – Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply, Statewide

            Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply was honored during Special Olympics Montana’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet as the Outstanding Corporation for 2009. The award is given to the corporation that, through its ongoing commitment, has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana.
(pictured at left: Chris Odegard, Purchasing Manager for Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

The Special Olympics partnership with Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply dates back to 1996 when the 1997 through 1999 State Summer Games were last in Bozeman. Because Murdoch’s commitment to healthy communities has been a centerpiece of their corporate culture, it is little wonder they enthusiastically renewed their support at greater levels to become our premier sponsor of the State Summer Games from 2009 through 2011.

In 2009 Murdoch’s donated $35,000 in cash and $15,000 of gift-in-kind contributions. Their employees complemented this financial support with 100’s of hours of volunteering in pivotal, key leadership roles to organize the Games.

Senior management team members Stephanie Primm, John Parkes, Mary Kay Yeley and Rick Ungersma saw the possibilities of partnering with Special Olympics to make a difference in the lives of those who are often viewed with indifference. Murdoch’s employees too numerous to list rallied around the State Summer Games --employees including Chris Odegard who became Games Co-Director, Darcie Jo Jurenka who stepped forward to serve as Special Events Co-Director, Yova Lynn who volunteered to be secretary-treasurer and John Parkes, Murdoch’s Vice President, who emceed Opening Ceremonies. Everyone, at all levels of the corporation, stepped up so athletes could step out of the shadows and into the light.

(For a complete transcript of Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie’s remarks, please contact us at info@somt.org or 800-242-6876.)

Outstanding LOCAL BUSINESS – Showdown Ski Area

            Showdown Ski Area near Neihart was honored as the Outstanding Local Business for 2009 during Special Olympics Montana’s annual Distinguished Service Awards Banquet held in Great Falls. The award is given for a local business that has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana. (pictured at left: Margie and George Willett. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

George Willett and his family own this family-run operation that has been serving Special Olympics athletes for over 25 years. Each winter they offer reduced priced lift tickets, inexpensive equipment rentals, extended hours, and professionally trained staff to assist athletes from the Great Falls Area in preparing to compete in winter sports.

A first rate business, they set up training courses and stage all of the competition for the CMR Area Winter Games. Local coaches have come to trust and rely upon the expertise and outstanding service this group of skiing professionals provides our athletes. Last winter, athletes participating in the games at their facility coined a phrase that made it into the papers when the Great Falls Tribune featured an article from the Area Winter Games and the headline read “Area Athletes Blow Down Showdown!”                                  

Outstanding SUPPORT by a MEDIA PESONALITY– Gail Schontzler, Bozeman

Gail Schontzler of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle received the 2009 Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Support by a Media Personality. This award is given to the individual who, through media support, has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana.
(pictured at left: Gail Schontzler. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

            Schontzler did an amazing job throughout the entire year keeping athletes, coaches, programs and the mission of Special Olympics front and center in the pages of the Bozeman Chronicle, as well as in the hearts of people across Montana. During the 2008 basketball season she produced a piece for the Sunday Chronicle featuring personal stories about coaches and players that spanned two full pages and was loaded with fabulous photography. As Bozeman Athlete Kelly Nichols headed to the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho in February, she followed Kelly’s success, as well as the adventures of her 40 teammates who made the trip to cheer her on.

At the 2009 State Summer Games in Bozeman this past year, Schontzler burned the candle at both ends – calling coaches late into the night to clarify names and results in order to meet late night deadlines for early morning editions, and then, she was up bright and early covering the next day’s events.

Outstanding MEDIA SUPPORT – the Great Falls Tribune

The Great Falls Tribune received the Outstanding Media Support Distinguished Service Award for 2009. Managing Editor Gary Moseman stood to accept the award on behalf of the Tribune. The award is given to the print media outlet or individual who, through media support, has made significant contributions to Special Olympics Montana.
(pictured at left: Gary Moseman, Managing Editor of the Great Falls Tribune. Photo by Gregg Edelen. link to hi-res)

            Jim Strauss and the staff of the Great Falls Tribune have provided wonderful support and coverage of athletes and their accomplishments for years, but they moved to an even higher level of support in 2006 when the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games came to Great Falls for 3 years.

Under the direction of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Eric Newhouse, the Tribune produced a 16 page, full color insert for each of those 3 consecutive years. Eric had the foresight to pull in young, talented student reporters who themselves developed knowledge and experience with Special Olympics and have since become dedicated crusaders of the mission. This insert was a huge gift because the Tribune’s cost of production is usually a business deal. Typically many ads are sold to pay for that type of publication, but because the Games drew donations from so many businesses and corporations in the community, the Tribune was unable to sell ad space in the insert. They cheerfully went on with the project nonetheless, willing to absorb the costs themselves!

For their unparalleled generosity of spirit and for their long term, lasting commitment to Special Olympics Montana, the Great Falls Tribune is to be applauded.

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More photos by Gregg Edelen at http://somt.smugmug.com and more information about Special Olympics Montana at http://www.somt.org.

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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: Tammy Peterson,
VP Field Services
tpeterson@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
PO Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
1-800-242-6876
406-216-5327