Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) has named Southwest Dairy Farmers its 2012 Outstanding Service from a Business/Corporation award winner and Leanne Owens and Lyndon LaPlante this year’s Female and Male Athletes of the Year (22+), respectively.

Southwest Dairy Farmers became involved with SOTX in 2000 as a Summer Games sponsor.  Today, the company is also a Fall Classic sponsor and has contributed more than $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations to SOTX this year.  During their 12 years of participation, Southwest Dairy Farmers has contributed more than $240,000 in financial support to SOTX. 

Owens is a longtime SOTX athlete who joined the movement in 1984.  The figure skating, basketball, bocce, golf, aquatics and bowling competitor is also an assistant coach, Global Messenger and member of the Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs). 

LaPlante is a golf, powerlifting and equestrian athlete.  He began competing with SOTX in 1995 and now serves the organization as a member of the ALPs and Global Messenger.

The Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards are presented to the individuals who represent the SOTX movement both on and off the field with pride, strength and humility. The Outstanding Service from a Business/Corporation award goes to the company whose employees contribute countless hours as volunteers at SOTX events and competitions, as well as go above and beyond to raise money for SOTX athletes.  On October 26, Special Olympics Texas will present the awards to Southwest Dairy Farmers, Owens and LaPlante and recognize them at Opening Ceremonies for the 2012 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 44,000 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.sotx.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