Awards

Special Olympics Missouri gives out its annual awards at its annual awards banquet. SOMO also gives out awards at its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Celebration Lunch.

The 2023 Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at the Training for Life Campus.

*Stay tuned for more information on the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run Celebration Lunch

2023 Winners

GOLISANO HEALTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

  • Dr. Ben Cook
  • Shelly Gudehus

Learn more about Dr. Cook and Shelly Gudehus!

2022 Winners

OUTSTANDING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Statewide Winner: Tanner Hrenchir

Central Area: Logan Hulett

North Area: Tanner Hrenchir

St. Louis Metro Area: Brent Kampert

KC Metro Area: Shaquana Hobbs

Southeast Area: Dalton Myers

Southwest Area: Bill Sampson

OUTSTANDING COACH OF THE YEAR

Statewide Winner: Leslie Franklin

Central Area: Krystal Sims

North Area: Dan Niemeyer

St. Louis Metro Area: Connie Pado

KC Metro Area: Lori Benson

Southeast Area: Melody Gardner

Southwest Area: Leslie Franklin

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Statewide Winner: Aaron Shillcutt

Central Area: Genice Fisher

North Area: James Runde

St. Louis Metro Area: Sam Rauls

KC Metro Area: Aaron Shillcutt

Southeast Area: Josh Crain

Southwest Area: Sarah Bachand

OUTSTANDING FAMILY OF THE YEAR

Statewide Winner: Southern Family

Central Area: Baker Family

North Area: Davidson Family

KC Metro Area: Bryant-McCanse/Harrelson Family

Southwest Area: Southern Family

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Award of Excellence: Diamond Pet Foods

* The 2022 awards winners were voted on by Special Olympics Oklahoma

You can find more photos from the 2022 Leadership Summit here.

Here's a link to a full recap of the 2022 Leadership Summit.


John Michael Letz Award Winner: Corporal Joe Peart

You can find more photos from the 2022 LETR Celebration Lunch here.

Here's a link to a full recap of the 2022 LETR Celebration Lunch.