Representative Donna McDowell White (District 26, Johnston County) was recognized recently for her long-standing support to Special Olympics North Carolina at their annual meeting and celebration.
The 2023 SONC Jim Long Commitment to Excellence Award was presented to Rep. White for leading the effort for the State of North Carolina to allocate funding to support the mission of Special Olympics. The Legislative budget has included annual funding for SONC that is utilized for programming and Special Olympic competitions across the state.
During the ceremony, officials conveyed that Rep. White was being honored for her work because “in her home district of Johnston County and across the state, she supports Special Olympics athletes in achieving their sports dreams”.
“I am honored and extremely humbled to receive this award,” said Rep. White. “My work to help secure continuous funding for this great organization simply pales in comparison to the hard work and dedication that the athletes, their families and volunteers put forth to make Special Olympics such a success.”
Since 1968, Special Olympics North Carolina has used the transformative power of sports to improve the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Nearly 40,000 athletes in North Carolina inspire thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers year-round training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports on local and state levels as well as health and wellness initiatives to improve the health status and increase access to community health resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
