Last night, at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Leadership Conference, individuals were recognized for their achievements within Special Olympics PA throughout the year during the annual awards banquet. Awards include Athlete of the Year, Partner of the Year, Program of the Year, etc. During this banquet, Philadelphia Beginner Swim Coach, Fran Moore named SOPA Coach of the Year! Fran has served as Aquatics Head Coach for 6 years.  Every year she challenges the athletes (beginner to advanced) to step out of their comfort zone and try a new event. Over the years under Fran’s supervision and dedication we have had many athletes who started with no basic knowledge of swimming now be able to accomplish the breaststroke, backstroke, IM’s and even 800 meter freestyles.  Fran is like a second mother to all the athletes.  She listens when they have problems or need someone to listen. She reviews the Athlete Code of Conduct at least 4 times a season to ensure they know the rules and support one another in good sportsmanship. 

Congratulations, Fran! We’re so lucky to have you as part of our Special Olympics Philadelphia family! 

Click here for Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s recap of this year’s Leadership Conference Award Banquet as well as photos of all the winners! 

Pictured above: Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Philadelphia athletes Ian Capacio and Lisa Barbour (at left and right) stand with Taney Dragons Little League phenom Mo’ne Davis.

SOPA Philadelphia receives Robert P. Levy Award as part of the 2015 Wanamaker Awards Luncheon at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia on Friday, June 12th.  The award is presented to an individual or organization that has done the most to “improve the quality of life in Philadelphia through sports.”  This is the 20th year in which that the Robert P. Levy Community Service Award has been presented.

Our Philadelphia program was honored along with the Taney Dragons Little League team who captivated the city with the first female, Mo’ne Davis, to ever pitch a complete game shutout at the Little League World Series.  The Taney Dragons were awarded the John Wanamaker Athletic Award and Don Richardson, Director of the Philadelphia Blackhawks Athletic Club, received the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Sports Volunteer of the Year Award.

Special Olympics Philadelphia joins many other sports organization who have won this award. Other organizations who have received this award in the past include Coaches vs. Cancer, SquashSmarts, Back on My Feet, PDR Swim Team, and the Philadelphia Phillies.