Wichita Falls Man Named Volunteer of the Year

SOTX awards volunteer for his commitment to SOTX

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2008

Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) has selected Wichita Falls volunteer JR Urioste as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year. Urioste has been volunteering for more than 32 years and commits more than 400 hours a year to Special Olympics.

This award was established in 1980 to be given annually to the volunteer who best displays year-round spirit, dedication, and unselfish efforts on behalf of Special Olympics Texas and its athletes.

Urioste has a long history with the SOTX North Texas program. A long time volunteer, Urioste was originally recruited by his commander at Sheppard Air Force Base to serve as an airman at the first North Texas area competition. Since then, he has dedicated his time to volunteering. An officer at he TDCJ – Allred Unit, Urioste has served as Games Director for local competitions and organized the area's Law Enforcement Torch Run. For the past 13 years, he has organized the James V. Allred Golf Classic, which has earned more than $50,000. He is a member of the Area Management Team for Spring Games and Area Torch Run committee.

On October 24, Urioste will be given his award and recognized for his achievements at Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Fall Classic in College Station.

Special Olympics Texas is a privately funded non-profit organization, providing year-round sports training and athletics competition for 27,610 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Lone Star State. For more information about Special Olympics Texas, call 1.800.876.JOIN or visit www.specialolympicstexas.org.

Co-Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Bottling Companies of Texas, ConocoPhillips, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust and Wal-Mart

Andi Baca Kelly
Public Relations Coordinator
akelly@sotx.org