Wataugan chosen Special Olympics' Athlete of Year
by Staff Reports
Special Olympics athlete Catlin Bray, 23, of Watauga County, was honored Sunday as the Special Olympics North Carolina "Athlete of the Year."
Bray, a 15-year participant in Florida and North Carolina, received the award in recognition of her commitment and dedication to Special Olympics.
During her time in the program, Bray has participated in alpine skiing, athletics, aquatics, basketball, soccer and volleyball.
She received the award from Keith Fishburne, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina, during the opening ceremonies of the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games at the Meadowbrook Inn.
"We surprised Catlin with the award, and her reaction was priceless," Fishburne said. "She was excited but very humble at the same time. She embodies all that is great about Special Olympics. She is a leader within the movement and an inspiration to all who know her."
Bray also competed as a member of Special Olympics Team USA during the 2009 World Winter Games in Idaho and won a bronze medal in alpine skiing.
"I am so proud of Catlin and all of her accomplishments," said Keron Poteat, Special Olympics Watauga County local coordinator. "I am proud of the young woman she has become. She is a wonderful role model for other athletes and very deserving of this honor."
Nominations were made by local Special Olympics programs, and winners were selected at the area level. The area-level award winners were considered for the state-level awards by a selection committee.
Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The North Carolina program offers competition in 19 sports and is one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world in terms of registered athletes.
Bray, a 15-year participant in Florida and North Carolina, received the award in recognition of her commitment and dedication to Special Olympics.
During her time in the program, Bray has participated in alpine skiing, athletics, aquatics, basketball, soccer and volleyball.
She received the award from Keith Fishburne, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina, during the opening ceremonies of the 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games at the Meadowbrook Inn.
"We surprised Catlin with the award, and her reaction was priceless," Fishburne said. "She was excited but very humble at the same time. She embodies all that is great about Special Olympics. She is a leader within the movement and an inspiration to all who know her."
Bray also competed as a member of Special Olympics Team USA during the 2009 World Winter Games in Idaho and won a bronze medal in alpine skiing.
"I am so proud of Catlin and all of her accomplishments," said Keron Poteat, Special Olympics Watauga County local coordinator. "I am proud of the young woman she has become. She is a wonderful role model for other athletes and very deserving of this honor."
Nominations were made by local Special Olympics programs, and winners were selected at the area level. The area-level award winners were considered for the state-level awards by a selection committee.
Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The North Carolina program offers competition in 19 sports and is one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world in terms of registered athletes.