|
 Watauga County athlete Michael White was extra excited to attend the 2007 Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Games in November. Not only would he be competing in cycling but he had also been given the honor to recite the Athletes Oath during the events Opening Ceremonies. Little did he know what was in store for him and how excited he would be at the end of the evening.
Michael sat on stage and smiled at his peers as they paraded into the Millis Athletic Center at High Point University. There was a lot of energy in the arena and he too was pumped up! At last, it was his time to take the podium; he smiled at the crowd and then delivered the oath and had the athletes repeat it after him. When he was done, he smiled at everyone and turned to take his seat. Just then, Keith Fishburne, SONC president put his arm around Michael and asked him to stay at the podium. Michael was a bit confused but did as directed. Several photos of Michael on his bicycle and giving a speech then appeared on the three large video boards throughout the arena.
“Congratulations Michael!” said Fishburne. “You have been selected the Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete of the Year!”
Michael was shocked! Fishburne then told the Opening Ceremonies crowd about Michael’s dedication to Special Olympics and his passion for sports. Michael smiled widely.
Rain, sleet, snow or ice, the mailman has nothing on Michael White. This Watauga County athlete has been on the move his whole life. Cerebral Palsy has not slowed him one bit. Mike has been competing in Special Olympics since the early 1970’s. He started out competing in athletics then made name for himself as a powerlifter. He helped introduce the sport in the state and holds numerous gold medals in the bench press. He had to give up powerlifting a few years ago due to a shoulder injury but has picked up cycling now and is as passionate about that sport as he was about lifting. Mike bought a “handi-bike” which allows him to steer, power and maneuver the bike from the handle bars. Those wicked mountain turns on the Watauga Country Greenway Trail don’t stand a chance against Mike. He is always on the Greenway regardless of the weather. He is very dedicated to his sport, trains year-round and always gives it his all. He also a terrific teammate and friend, always there to pump up other Special Olympics cyclists. He walks through life with dignity, grace and determination. He is a man on the move and a man that will move you!
Fishburne closed his remarks by presenting Michael with a large plaque to commemorate the honor. The two then posed for pictures and Michael took a deep breath to make sure he wasn’t dreaming! It had been a night to remember!
Congratulations Michael!
To nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On" -Call 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110. |
