Orlando, FL - June 6, 2022 - ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: Medals during ESPN’s Special Olympics Executive Unified Challenge during the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
Special Olympics honors Carlsbad woman with Eunice Kennedy Shriver Legacy Award
Longtime Carlsbad resident Carolyn Olson was honored for receiving the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Legacy Award at an event held by Special Olympics New Mexico in Albuquerque on Saturday.
The Special Olympics presented 15 Distinguished Service Awards to New Mexico residents who have “not only met but far exceeded the expectations of their role and responsibilities,” said Special Olympics New Mexico Executive Director Randy Mascorella.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Legacy Award, named after the founder of the Special Olympics, is one of the organization’s “highest possible honors,” said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway in his regular community updates.
Olson is area coordinator for the Special Olympics, responsible for southeastern New Mexico, Janway said.
“She’s also a coach, head of delegation and board member,” the mayor said. “She was honored for her many decades of dedicated service to the Special Olympics. Anyone who has ever worked with Carolyn can tell you about her hard work and dedication, which she also extends to other projects such as community theater and the historical society.”
Janway added that Olson moved to Carlsbad with her husband in 1963, began volunteering with the Red Cross and “hasn’t slowed down since.”
“Along the way, she’s attended three international Special Olympics events and four US games,” Janway said. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have Carolyn serving in Carlsbad, and this award by the Special Olympics was well deserved.”
Here’s the list of Saturday’s award-winners, as published by the Special Olympics of New Mexico.
Athlete Artist of the Year
Smith Weber Sandager
Outstanding Athlete Leader
Shelby Peterson
Coaches of the Year
Robert & Carola Covarrubia
Outstanding Local Program
Special Olympics Bloomfield
Outstanding Family
The Correa Family
Outstanding Unified Champion School
Tricia Grajeda, Rio Rancho Elementary School
Outstanding Volunteer
Geoff Freeze
Outstanding Unified Partner
Richard Wirtemburg
Outstanding Civic Organization
La Cueva Football
Outstanding Business
T-Mobile
Outstanding Board Member
Dub Girand
Hall of Fame
Chris Castillo
Hall of Fame
Anita Williams Kelly, In Memoriam
Pursuit of Excellence
Tom Padilla
EKS Legacy Award
Carolyn Olson
