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In 2006 Special Olympics Northern California implemented a
Volunteer of the Year Program to recognize and acknowledge
those volunteers who rise above the rest and go beyond the
call of duty for our Special Olympics athletes.
We are very proud to announce the winners of the 2007 Volunteer
of the Year Awards in the following categories:
| Jonathan Ching |
Silicon Valley Region |
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| The Silsdorf Family |
East Bay Region |
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| Mike Brewer |
Northeast Region |
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| Michela Isono |
East Bay Region |
While Special Olympics Northern California appreciates
the efforts of all our volunteers, these volunteers were selected
because of their commitment to our athletes and their dedication
to Special Olympics. We define a Volunteer of the Year as someone
who gives tirelessly of themselves, who is willing to perform
any task needed, often without being asked, and who is an inspiration
to others. The Volunteers of the Year is a person who gives
100% of themselves for the benefit of our Special Olympics
athletes.
The Volunteers of the Year will be invited as our guests to
the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games the weekend
of June 7, 2008, and recognized at the Opening Ceremonies taking
place on Friday evening.
On behalf of the athletes, coaches, families, staff, and other
volunteers we thank the 2007 Volunteers of the Year for their
contributions to Special Olympics Northern California.
Now
Meet our Volunteers of the Year.
 Jonathan
Ching has made a significant impact on how Special Olympics
Northern California is able to executive major events. Jonathan
is described as very versatile and has proven his versatility
by being a part of the Games Management Team for the Schools'
Track & Field Meet in Las Vegas, the Olympic Club Golf
Tournament in San Francisco and also helping out with major
office projects . Since taking a heavy role on the Games Management
Team, Jonathan has restructured the way the Support Team functions
at events. He is the liaison between Special Olympics staff
and the volunteer support group for Winter Games, Summer Games,
and many other events. Jonathan is a hard worker who has a
calm demeanor and knows how to accomplish tasks efficiently
and effectively. Jonathan has not only proven to be an asset
to the local program, but to Special Olympics programs throughout
Northern California.
Jonathan has a sister who is a Special Olympics athlete in
the San Jose area. Jonathan is a popular person amongst the
athletes and his enthusiasm to benefit the athletes is inspiring.
Part of what makes Jonathan a great volunteer is his understanding
of the athletes and families involved in the program. His relationship
with his sister is part of what makes him the outstanding person
he is today.
 The Silsdorf Family is part of the fabric of Special Olympics
in Alameda County. They have been chosen as the Volunteer Family
this year because their commitment to Special Olympics goes
much deeper than what they have done during 2007. They are
coaches, coordinators, and competition directors at both the
Regional and Championship levels. They are so integral to the
workings of even just one year that they may be overlooked
as volunteers because of the magnitude of the role that they
play.
They have been volunteering for us in many capacities in the
course of their tenure, currently coaching and leading groups
of coaches in Soccer, Aquatics, Basketball, and Track and Field.
Every October they run the aquatics invitational and every
May the entire family is running our Annual Aquatics Regional
in Oakland. Michele is also the Venue Director for Aquatics
at the Summer Games Championships but you do not have to look
very far to see Jason and Jerry working right along side her.
For the Silsdorf Family it is clear that Special Olympics
is a priority in their lives. Their commitment to Special Olympics
is undeniable and their value as well as their impact is beyond
measure.
 As a coach for Folsom Hills, Mike is involved in nine different
Special Olympics sports throughout the year and is willing
and able to work with athletes of all levels and abilities.
He will take brand new athletes onto the ski slopes and help
them with their skills and works with many of the young athletes
who are new to sports and Special Olympics. On many occasions,
Mike has personally funded equipment, meals and transportation
for athletes and is willing to go out of his way to pick up
athletes for practices, competitions and fundraising or community
events. Mike is also involved in fundraising events throughout
the year.
Mike has helped out at many different competitions as an escort
for athletes or an official for an event. He is always willing
to help out when we are either short-handed or need some one
with experience with a particular sport or in working with
Special Olympics athletes. He has become a certified track
and field official because of his involvement with Special
Olympics.
Mike has a positive attitude towards Special Olympics and
helps to provide a quality program for the athletes. When you
watch Mike with the Special Olympics athletes it is easy to
see the warmth and respect that he holds for them. He completely
inspires greatness in all of the Special Olympics athletes
he coaches.
 When Michela began volunteering with Special Olympics at the
2005 Summer Games it became obvious that she was going to be
an outstanding youth volunteer completely committed to the
Special Olympics program. During the past three years she has
proven to be hardworking and compassionate with our athletes.
Her commitment and vision continues to grow above and beyond
the expectations of a youth volunteer. During the past year
Michela prepared and delivered a presentation at her High School
and this led to the development of a formal Special Olympics
Club at Head Royce School where students can learn more about
Special Olympics as well as sign up for volunteer opportunities.
By creating this club Michela has utilized her networking and
leadership skills to make social awareness and community service
a priority within her student community. She successfully applied
for and was awarded a $1500.00 service grant at her school.
Michela planned, organized, and implemented an Olympic Village
at the East Bay Region 2007 Softball Tournament.
Michela is an amazing young woman who has truly embraced all
that Special Olympics represents. She has made a personal connection
with our athletes as a coach and has become a steward of our
mission through her efforts at her school club. This connection
has motivated her to help open the minds and hearts of her
peers that they may have the same experience she has had. She
is an inspiration.
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