The Special Olympics New Hampshire Awards Gala will take place on November 14, 2007 at the Radisson_Hotel in Manchester beginning at 5pm.  The Awards
Gala is held to recognize businesses, organizations and individuals who have performed distinguished services for Special Olympics New Hampshire during the past year.

Any individual may nominate, be nominated or nominate themselves.
Nomination forms can be filled out throughout the year.
Nominations for coaches, volunteers, athletes, and families will be considered for the next two years.
Winners will be chosen by the nomination committee and announced at the Awards Gala.

Nominations are due to the SONH office no later than October 26, 2007! Contact Carol_Cray, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 624-1250 x32 for more information.

Click here for a nomination form and information on each award!

Nomination Categories

The Carol Madden Unsung Hero Award
Awarded to the volunteer, coach or family member who provides important and effective support to the Mission of Special Olympics while bringing little or any attention to their effort.  Essentially an Unsung Hero. 

Carol Madden was a volunteer for Special Olympics for nearly thirty years. Carol coordinated a comprehensive, year round Special Olympics program at the Derry Recreation Center that included aquatics, cycling, bowling and cross country skiing. Her athletes participated in every major Special Olympics competition and in several World Games. Carol worked tirelessly behind the scenes maintaining a low profile while carrying the load of organizing, fundraising, transportation, uniforms, equipment and paper work necessary for successful participation. She participated in major fundraising events like the Penguin Plunge as well as preparing athletes for competition. Additionally Carol was called on to use her sports knowledge as a clinician at Coaches Training Schools in four different sports. Carol was dedicated to her athletes and improving their quality of life while avoiding the limelight and focusing on the success of her teams. Carol will be remembered as a model Local Program Volunteer and truly an Unsung Hero.

The Clesson “Junie” Blaisdell Award for Unified Sports Athlete & Partner of the Year
Awarded to a Special Olympics Athlete and their Unified Sports Partner who demonstrate the concepts and adhere to the philosophy of Unified Sports.

Junie Blaisdell was among the most important elected officials in NH to fully support the Mission of Special Olympics and all people with disabilities. He expressed that support as President of the NH Senate and as a volunteer for SONH. As a lifelong member of the International Association of Basketball Officials, Junie volunteered his time and skills to a basketball program for mentally challenged athletes three years before Special Olympics was created. As a State Senator Junie helped arrange legislative support for SONH in the early days of the program and continued that support throughout his career.

The Arthur E. Toll Award for Coach of the Year
Awarded to a Special Olympics Coach who has demonstrated a high degree of personal commitment to athletes in their program through development and implementation of a quality sports training program. The recipient will be a person who is eligible for Certification as a Special Olympics Coach in at least one sport and who has been involved in the program for a minimum of one full year.

Arthur E. Toll was Superintendent of the Laconia State School when Special Olympics was first established. He was an accomplished athlete and experienced coach. His desire to improve the quality of life of children and adults with mental challenges and to move the residents of the school closer to the community at large led to his important support of the program in its initial stages. He allowed for the building of a strong foundation that has led to Special Olympics New Hampshire as we know it today.

The Jean S. Tufts Award for Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to a Special Olympics Volunteer whose enthusiasm and dedication to the Mission of Special Olympics has made a significant impact on the lives of SONH athletes, their families and other volunteers.

Jean Tufts was the Principal of the Rockingham School for handicapped children in Exeter, NH, when she was asked by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to be the first Director of Special Olympics in New Hampshire. Jean and her husband Arthur Tufts, who was President of the NH Senate, initiated the Special Olympics Committee in NH that sponsored the first SONH Summer Games held at Phillips Exeter Academy. Mrs. Tufts went on to become Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education under President Reagan.

Local Program of the Year
Awarded to the regional or local program that has demonstrated its growth in achieving the mission of Special Olympics New Hampshire.

Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year
Awarded to the athlete whose involvement in Special Olympics truly represents sharing, skill, courage, and joy.

Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year
Awarded to the athlete whose involvement in Special Olympics truly represents sharing, skill, courage, and joy.

Family of the Year Award
Awarded to the family of a Special Olympics athlete that has demonstrated outstanding support of Special Olympics.

Student Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to the student volunteer who has demonstrated a high degree of commitment and dedication to SONH goals.

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to a law enforcement individual who has demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and has made a significant impact on the lives of SONH athletes, their families and other volunteers.

Special Events Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication for a Special Event benefiting SONH.

Youth Organization of the Year
Awarded to a unique youth organization whose efforts have significantly improved Special Olympics athletes’ experiences on a local, regional, or state level.

Organization of the Year Award
Awarded to the group, club, or business whose efforts have significantly improved Special Olympics athletes’ experiences on a local, regional, or state level.