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Rich Lewis (left), Senior Field Director-South Central, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, recognizes Al Raimer as Volunteer of the Month for Special Olympics Pennsylvania for August. "Big Al" as he is known to the athletes, coaches and volunteers has been involved in Special Olympics York County for almost 30 years. Currently he coaches ramp bowlers and is an aquatics coach. He began the roller skating program more than 15 years ago, and recently retired as an assistant coach for roller skating. A retired York City police officer, Al insists that working with the athletes is what keeps him young.
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Michael Plappert was named Special Olympics Pennsylvania Male Athlete of the Year for 2008. Michael, who trains and competes in nine Special Olympics sports year round, has followed his first love of swimming all the way from York to the 3rd World Down Syndrome Swimming Championship in Limerick, Ireland, in 2006 with many accomplishments in-between.
He was the first person with Down Syndrome to swim on the Dover High School team and the first to earn a varsity letter.
In March he competed in a Special Olympics Multi-state Regional Swim Meet held in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was one of two athletes to represent Pennsylvania.
Currently he swims and practices with the Dover Area Swim Club and volunteers with the Dover High School swim team. He swims daily except Sundays and the month of August as his personal training regimen. In addition, he has eight other Special Olympics sports on his calendar.
Michael is a member of the newly-formed Spirit Squad, a group of Special Olympians who are being instructed on moves and choreography by the Red Lion Varsity Cheerleaders. The Spirit Squad debuted at the Special Olympics Spring Games in May. Michael is a Global Messenger for Special Olympics and speaks to school classes and community organizations about the Special Olympics program and its benefits.
Special Olympics York County is proud to congratulate Michael Plappert.
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Former SOYC Bowling Directors Ross and Barbara Raffensperger were inducted into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in Philadelphia on May 3, 2007. The Raffenspergers became involved with Special Olympics more than 25 years ago. They headed up the SOYC bowling program for many years as well as served on the management team as treasurer and secretary until health issues forced them to step down. They are certified to coach bowling, athletics, and bocce. Many athletes have benefited from the caring friendship of the Raffenspergers. Special Olympics York County is proud to congratulate Ross and Barbara Raffensperger.
York Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne received the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame's Founder's Award at a ceremony in Boise, Idaho, on June 20, 2007. At the same event, Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver was honored for establishing Special Olympics. Claiborne was recognized for her dedication and commitment in spreading the Special Olympics message around the world. Among the many awards that Claiborne has received is the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage from ESPN. The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho. Special Olympics York County is proud to congratulate Loretta Claiborne.