Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn held its 19th Annual Athletic Achievement Banquet on Saturday, August 17, at the Sunman American Legion Post 337. The event brought together athletes, unified partners, coaches, and volunteers to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments.
Greg Townsend, the program coordinator, announced all the award winners for 2024.
The Butterfly Award, which recognizes an athlete whose journey with Special Olympics has been marked by personal growth and achievement, was awarded to Harrison Miller of Moores Hill, Ind., and Tommy Ostendorf of East Enterprise, Ind.
The Family of the Year Award went to the Seaver Family of Dillsboro, Ind. The Seavers have been involved with Special Olympics since 2016, with the children participating as athletes and partners. The parents have served as Class A volunteers and have played a significant role in fundraising events and the softball team.
The Unified Partner of the Year Award, given to an individual who is dedicated to the Special Olympics movement, was awarded to Logan Mitchell of Osgood, Ind. Mitchell has been involved in bowling, snowshoeing, and snowboarding and participates in local fundraisers, including the Fire Truck Pull.
During the past program year, Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn lost Angie Schuman, a member of its Management Team, to cancer. Schuman of Brookville, Ind., served as the program’s volunteer coordinator and secretary since 2006. Her dedication and enthusiasm inspired others to get involved and make a difference.
In her honor, the Management Team unanimously voted to rename the Volunteer of the Year award to the Angie Schuman Memorial – Spirit of Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year Award. The inaugural award was also presented to Angie Schuman in her honor, with her family and son, Randy Schuman, accepting the award on her behalf.
Coach of the Year was awarded to Tim Paul of Milan, Ind., a powerlifting coach and father of an athlete. Paul joined Special Olympics in 2014 and has been instrumental in growing the powerlifting team. Beyond coaching, he promotes wellness among athletes, encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
The Athlete of the Year Award was presented to Amy Mitchell of Osgood, Ind., for her dedication, enthusiasm, and positive spirit. Mitchell has participated in Special Olympics for 10 years, competing in various sports including softball,
bowling, volleyball, track and field, snowboarding, swimming, cornhole, and basketball. She also actively engages in fundraising activities and is currently atten ding a 16-week kitchen cook training program at the Erskine Green Training Institute in Muncie, Ind.
All award winners will go on to represent the delegation at the Area 9 level, showcasing their dedication and achievements on a broader stage.
