(Jefferson City) Greg & Paula Burns, Charlie Phillips, Emily Sorensen and the Huffman family were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to Special Olympics Missouri – North Area at the SOMO Annual Awards Luncheon Jan. 16 in Branson.

Each year, Special Olympics Missouri salutes those who have made significant contributions to the Special Olympics movement. Each area nominee is submitted for statewide recognition, and the overall winners were also announced at the SOMO Summit.

The North Area recognized:

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER: Greg & Paula Burns, NAMED BEST IN THE STATE

This husband and wife duo has volunteered for Special Olympics Missouri for more than 15 years. They started out as day-of volunteers at local events. Staff noticed a great potential with both of them, so they were asked to be on the Polar Plunge committee, then venue coordinators, and the relationship has grown from there. Paula and Greg are key members on the Polar Plunge committee, being there from the first committee meeting to the day of the event to set-up, tear down and wrap-up meeting. Paula is the head volunteer at the Plunge in the registration tent. Greg is always right beside Paula at the events doing whatever is needed behind the scenes. Paula has served on our Ladies Night Out committee for three years and has contributed so many ideas to grow this event, which doubled in its second year. Greg is there right along Paula, setting up tables, moving chairs and ladders, bringing in our decorations and then he is a celebrity waiter for the evening. Paula and Greg also travel around the state attending state games as venue coordinators for track & field, softball, basketball and bowling. They are at the celebrity softball game selling tickets, working gates, etc. They help staff all think outside the box and make the program grow each time they are involved. They volunteer for whatever is needed; whether it is loading the truck, selling souvenirs, raking the long jump pits, serving lunch or handing out medals, they have done it all.

OUTSTANDING ATHLETE: Charlie Phillips

Charlie moved to Savannah less than a year ago. It didn’t take him long to make friends and for an entire school to get to know him. He joined the high school wrestling and football teams while also being a part of the Special Olympics powerlifting and flag football teams. His coaches constantly comment on his positive, “Never give up,” “I can do anything” attitude. Charlie immediately made an impact on his Special Olympics teams, his school, and his community. He is always supportive, happy and determined. Charlie gives meaning to the term sportsmanship and defines character. He is a friend, teammate and an example of how just one person can make a positive influence and bring unity to so much more than just a high school. When he is not participating in sports, he volunteers for many Special Olympics events. Charlie is a new member of the Youth Activation Committee in the North Area and is very excited to start spreading the word of inclusion in his school and community.

OUTSTANDING COACH: Emily Sorensen

Two years ago, Emily Sorensen stepped into the lead position in organizing and coaching Special Olympics athletes in the Kirksville area. She had to step into some very big shoes as Jaime Janes had built a strong program in the area. Since that time, Emily has continued to grow this program, nurture and advocate for athletes and Unified Partners, expand coach involvement and promote positive relationships with athletes, parents and community. Emily is now working with interested parties to build a program for adult athletes in the area. She is growing and expanding a solid program in Kirksville – her genuine kindness, clear thinking and absolute fairness merge with professional skills that build our athletes’ confidence, skill set (from language development, personal growth and educational goals) and opportunities. As the speech pathologist for some of the athletes, Emily has a gracious professionalism that impacts those she works with. She challenges her athletes in a positive way and allows them to experience new opportunities and spread their wings while holding them to a higher standard. Now that she leads the program, it’s reassuring to know she always has the best interest of the athletes (personally, athletically and educationally) in mind!

OUTSTANDING FAMILY: The Huffman family

The Huffmans have been involved with Special Olympics in almost every way possible. Cary and Deanna are always available, if needed, to help at fundraising or program events. Although they have been long-time event managers, they recently started coaching the Predators flag football team when the previous coaches stepped down. They took the team on as if it was their own family. The time and effort put into making this team the best it could be was unbelievable. Jake Huffman, the son of Cary and Deanna, is a Unified Partner and a member of the regional Youth Activation Committee. Not only is he a partner on the field, but he has been extremely influential in promoting inclusion in his school community. They recently hosted a Unified football event at Savannah High School to raise funds for their team to go to state and to raise awareness for Special Olympics. The Huffmans have served as volunteers in almost every program and development events held in the North area. On top of that, they have been involved in the growth and development of the Young Athletes Program in St. Joseph.