Special Olympics On Parade Promises A Magical Evening

March 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Long before the dust from the last petal of the Rose Parade had settled, plans for a parade of another kind were well underway in Southern California. Staff & volunteers from Special Olympics of Orange County have been hard at work, planning “A Magical Evening.”  

Organizers announced that the annual signature charity event, which recognizes & honors the program’s athletes, will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Anaheim Hilton.

“Every year, our event chairs are committed to putting on an inspiring event which celebrates the athletes of Special Olympics,” said David Armendariz, Regional Director for Special Olympics Orange County. “Despite the challenging economy, the committee somehow manages to grow the event and bring more people into our movement. Donations to this event are helping our athletes to gain confidence and self-esteem through the magic of sports.”

The event promises to be an evening of inspiration and entertainment, highlighted by a memorable parade of Special Olympics athletes and Team USA Olympians, Guest of Honor Jim Abbott, an amazing athlete and vocal supporter of Special Olympics, the presentation of Jim Ragsdale as the Betty Belden Palmer Award honoree for Outstanding Athlete, and Tim Redmond as Person of the Year.
 
Tickets for Special Olympics on Parade - A Magical Evening are $150 per person with sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,500 to $20,000.  To purchase tickets or to make a donation, visit http://www.sosc.org/soop or contact Joey Trama, Event Manager, at (714) 564-8374 or Jtrama@sosc.org.

Special Olympics Orange County is proud to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, and productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.  This is done through year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, giving athletes ongoing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy in sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship. More than 1,300 athletes benefit from our year-round sports training and competition program.

The office address for Special Olympics Orange County is 550 N. Parkcenter Drive, Suite 102 Santa Ana, 92705.  Phone: (714) 564-8374.

Jim Ragsdale - Betty Belden Palmer Award honoree, Outstanding Athlete

Jim is a living example of everything that is good about sports. As much as he likes competing to win, Jim loves the camaraderie of being around his friends and teammates. For him, it’s just about being able to compete and have fun with the other competitors.

Even though Jim is only 17-years-old, he is known as a team leader because of his positive attitude and his ability to lift the spirits of his teammates. He consistently reaches out to teammates who are having a bad day to motivate and encourage them. This inspiring attitude even extends to competitors on the opposing teams as Jim often reaches out to other players to help them if they are in need of encouragement.

It's no surprise why Jim is known as every coaches dream player. He always has a smile on his face and is willing to do what is asked of him. Congratulations to Jim Ragsdale for embodying the true spirit of what it means to be Special Olympics athlete and being named the 2012 Betty Belden Palmer Award honoree for Outstanding Athlete.

Tim Redmond - Person of the Year Honoree

Tim’s involvement in Special Olympics began in 1993 when his son, Timothy Jr., joined the equestrian program.

Timothy was born with Down Syndrome.  Upon learning of his son's diagnosis, Tim wondered what the future would hold for Timothy.  One of Timothy’s nurses, Jamilla, made what Tim now knows was a prophetic statement.  She told Tim and his wife, Cathy, that Timothy would introduce them to people that they never would have known and that he would help them to see their world in a much different way.

As he met other Special Olympics families Tim was motivated to assist the organization. At the invitation of Marilyn Skinner, Tim became a founding member of the Orange County Advisory Council.   Since 2002, Tim has volunteered as an officer, member and chairperson of what is now known as the Orange County Regional Leadership Council.  Today, Tim volunteers his leadership abilities and time as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Southern California.

Jim Abbott - Guest of Honor

Jim Abbott was born in Flint, Michigan, in September of 1967 without a right hand. Despite the adversity he faced, Jim achieved notable athletic success. He became an All-American hurler at the University of Michigan, won the Sullivan Award in 1987 and was the gold medal pitcher for the US Olympic team in 1988.  During the 1993 season, Jim threw a 4-0 no-hitter for the New York Yankees versus Cleveland.

As an Honorary Member of the Orange County Regional Leadership Council, Jim is a champion of our Special Olympics athletes in Orange County. Today, in addition to often being a guest pitching instructor during Spring Training for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Jim is a motivational speaker whose unique story raises awareness of the talents that people with disabilities have to offer.