The Coach of the Year Award is given annually to an active certified Special Olympics coach who has met several criteria, particularly their having made a significant and demonstrable impact on local Special Olympics Programs and Area 1 (Rio Grande Valley)
The Athlete of the Year Award is given annually to an athlete who has been active 3 or more years in Special Olympics, a true winner who gives his or her very best, while displaying outstanding courage and sportsmanship in athletic competition and has participated in area, state games.
Currently there are more than 300 registered coaches and 5000 athletes in Area 1 Special Olympics,
Rio Grande Valley
Coach Info:
Over the past 27 years, Ms. Cremar has been an adapted physical education teacher/ Special Olympics Head of Delegation /Coach for Mission CISD . Ms. Cremar was previously honored in 2001 as “Coach of the Year” for
Area 1.
Ms. Cremar has participated in many area and state competitions, and has also coach at two Special Olympics World Games. In 1994 one of her athletes received the State Award for Female Athlete of the Year. Ms. Cremar has also been instrumental in implementing the following programs in the district:
“The Young Athlete Program”, (a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7)
“The Motor Activity Program”, ( designed for athletes who are unable to participate in official Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities.)
“Meet in the Middle”, is a unique program that promotes acceptance and inclusion between students with and without intellectual disabilities in schools. Participants team up to promote advocacy, acceptance, friendship, fitness and sports opportunities
“Unified Sports” ,allows athletes to participate in sports activities with peers without disabilities
Athlete Info:
Adrian Rodriguez is a student at Mission High School. He is enrolled in the 18 plus program /community based instructional program. He has been a part of Special Olympics for more than 5 years. He participates in five sports: Bowling, Bocce, Powerlifting, Basketball and Track and Field. He has participated locally in over 25 area games and three state games where he has acquired many medals. Adrian loves sports so much, that when he is not involved in Special Olympics he is involved in Capable Kids Sports Program. Adrian is a very happy athlete, always full of life, with a pleasant personality. He loves a challenge and loves to pose for pictures. Adrian is also very active in the RGV Downs Syndrome Association.