Political Quotes

“Madam President, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics once said, ``You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send a message to every village, every city, and every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory.'' Today, I would like to recognize a father and daughter who are sending their own message of hope and victory Mark and Michele Panozzo from Rockford, IL. Last week, Michele Panozzo was recognized as the 2013 Outstanding Athlete Award by the Special Olympics of Illinois. Earlier this year, Michele and Mark Panozzo were both recognized as the Northern Illinois Special Olympics Athlete and Coach of the Year. This father-daughter duo started their involvement in the Special Olympics more than 25 years ago when Michele, who has Down syndrome, was 8 years old. Her first sport was basketball. Over the years she has competed in a variety of sports, including softball throw, bowling and bocce. Her dad, Mark, has been by her side as her coach the whole time. And it is not just Michele who Mark helps. He is also the coach of the Rockford Red Hots, a team of 45 Special Olympics athletes from the Rockford region. Mark and Michele spend nearly every weekend with the Red Hots, whether at a competition, a practice, or at social outings with teammates and their families. Special Olympics is more than sports and competitions to Mark and Michele. It is a community that has welcomed and befriended them.…”