Special Olympics Colorado inducted six people into its 2012 Hall of Fame on Wednesday morning at the Grand Hyatt Denver.
The event marked the third year athletes and others in the community were celebrated for their accomplishments and good deeds during the breakfast ceremony.
“It was really great, very moving” said Mary Kaminski, spokeswoman for Special Olympics Colorado. About 700 people attended the event. “I think people were really impressed to see how much the community really gets behind Special Olympics Colorado.”
The inductees included athletes of the year Florence “Flo” Westervelt and David Jensen, and Project UNIFY School of the Year Mesa Middle School.
Project UNIFY uses sports and education programs for youth to foster respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics Colorado website.
•Westervelt has competed in the Special Olympics for 30 years, earning more than 50 medals in track and field events.
•Jensen has won several medals in track and field, and tennis during the 12 years he has competed in Special Olympics games.
• Mesa Middle School is one of the more than 50 schools participating in Project UNIFY. Mesa raised more than $2,600 for Special Olympics Colorado.
• Marc Stout, ROOT sports host and writer, was named Media Partner of the Year. Stout served as master of ceremonies for Special Olympics Colorado winter and summer state games for the past several years.
• Dick Baker, Special Olympics Colorado Volunteer of the Year, served as the volunteer chair for the Special Olympics Colorado Golf Tournament Committee for the past 28 years.
•Charlie Monfort, one of the owners of the Colorado Rockies, was awarded Community Partner of the Year. Monfort became involved with Special Olympics Colorado after attending an event as a spectator. Since that time, he has been involved in the organization and serves on the board of directors.
Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or
