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  The
Mountain Amateur Athletics Club (MAAC) presented the 2007 Special Olympics
Award to Willie Wilkerson of McDowell County! In addition to the award,
Wilkinson was also presented a $1,000 grant for the Special Olympics McDowell
County program. The grant will help fund trips for nine McDowell County
athletes to the 2007 Special
Olympics North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh June 1-3.
Wilkerson is a seasoned Special Olympics athlete, having competed for
more than six years in athletics, aquatics and soccer. Wilkerson earned
his first medal in the 100-meter dash during his first year of competition
in 2001. In subsequent years, he earned multiple gold, silver and bronze
medals at state-level aquatics events.
"He's a people person," Patti Wilkerson laughed. "He's
never met a stranger!"
Wilkerson, a 17-year-old student at McDowell High School, is on the A-B
honor roll, participates in NJROTC and swims on the varsity swim team.
He earned the swim team's Coaches Award for the past two seasons.
A contributing factor to Wilkerson winning the MAAC 2007 Special Olympics
Award is his extensive involvement in the community. Wilkerson has helped
deliver Meals on Wheels, distribute toys and food for Project Christmas
and volunteer for his church youth group. He even went to Mississippi
on a mission trip to help build a women's shelter!
Wilkinson's winning night was topped off when he met former NFL quarterback
and current Congressman Heath Shuler of district 11 in western North Carolina.
Wilkerson got to meet and have his picture taken with Shuler! Shuler presented
awards at the MAAC's 49th Annual Awards at the Grove Park Inn Resort,
April 22, 2007.
Congratulations Willie!
To nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight", contact
Lisa Pleasants by phone at 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110, or by e-mail at lpleasants@sonc.net.
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