2011 Outstanding Service Awards for Print Media, Civic Service and Sports and Compeitition Volunteer
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) has selected Clear Channel Outdoor as its Outstanding Service from Print Media, the Kinkaid School - Class of 2012 as its Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization and Cindy Benzon as its Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition award winners.
Clear Channel Outdoor got involved with the movement in 2008 by actively participating in the R-word campaign. The company donated billboards for the Greater Houston area’s Over the Edge fundraiser in 2010, and continues to raise awareness and support for SOTX programs and events.
The Kinkaid School - Class of 2012 got involved with the movement in 2006, and serves the organization by organizing and hosting the Greater Houston area’s Regional Bocce Tournament. Each year, more than 130 Kinkaid students and their families participate in the tournament. Over the past few years, Kinkaid has implemented bocce into their physical education program so that students can practice and learn the game. The school also built bocce courts on campus and hosted fundraisers throughout the year to pay for the tournament.
Cindy Benzon got involved with Special Olympics Texas in 2007 and has worn several hats since then, including competition director, Special Olympics North America trainer and sports director. In addition, she serves on the Greater Houston area tennis committee and has facilitated more than 20 state trainings. As Adaptive Tennis Coordinator for United States Tennis Association Texas, Benzon is proud that her staff has worked with SOTX for the last 15 years and it is one of the biggest highlights of the year.
The Outstanding Service from Print Media award is presented to the print news organization that provides fair, accurate and positive coverage of our athletes while raising awareness of the SOTX movement. The Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization award is presented to the organization that is committed to the integration of athletes in the community, while promoting skill development and fostering self-esteem among athletes. The Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition award is presented to the individual that is dedicated to providing an inclusive and fair environment for SOTX competitions. On October 21, Special Olympics Texas will recognize Clear Channel Outdoor, the Kinkaid School - Class of 2012 and Cindy Benzon at Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Fall Classic in Bryan/College Station.
About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.
Official Partners:
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Charitable Trust and the Law Enforcement Torch Run
Ramonica Jones
Public Relations Coordinator
Special Olympics Texas
rjones@sotx.org
