Recognition & Awards

Every month SOCO will nominate and choose a volunteer whose giving spirit and remarkable dedication to the Special Olympics athletes in Colorado has set a new standard of excellence. As well, they will nominate one male and one female athlete who have exhibited great leadership, team spirit and athletic excellence throughout SOCO competitions. The athletes, families and staff involved with SOCO know that without the help from thousands of extraordinary volunteers and athletes each year, our program could not exist. The Volunteer of the Month, Male Athlete of the Month and Female Athlete of the Month awards are our way of saying thanks, a small token of appreciation for all that our volunteers and athletes do.

Volunteer of the Month

Paul Squadrito
I am extremely honored and grateful to be acknowledged as a SOCO Volunteer of the Month. I absolutely endear this organization. I have been a volunteer with Special Olympics NJ, Southern CA, and CO since 1993 (Colorado from 1997-2002, and 2006-Present) and have done or been the following throughout those years: day-of volunteer, coach, Unified Partner, Sports Instructor/Clinician, State and Regional Games Management Team member, Venue Director, official, and coach at the 1999 World Summer Games. I currently reside on the western slope and assist Julie Fite with her Summer Classic Bocce Venue, Freda Davenport with her Denver/NE Area Nordic Venue, am a head coach of a local school-aged team, the Roaring Fork Mountain Niños, in Glenwood Springs with my colleague, friend and volunteer-extraordinaire Cammi Menager, and am planning on helping Jim Job and the 2012 Ride the Rockies SOCO team kick butt again in this year’s edition. I would like to say thank you to all the athletes, families and volunteers who I’ve come to know over the years and especially to Special Olympics for allowing me to be a part of their family and help change lives, especially mine!!!!

Female Athlete of the Month

Florence Westervelt
Florence Westervelt has been a Special Olympics Colorado athlete for over 20 years, competing in Track & Field, Bowling and Bocce. Her love for all three of these sports developed and grew after years of training and practice, especially the friendships she has made. “Flo” has been awarded over 50 medals over the past 20 years and went on to compete at the 2007 World Games in China for Track. Flo has been an outstanding model for athletes to follow. One of her coaches, Mark DeHaven, says, “She works very hard in every sport she does, she is a mother figure to young athletes and a friend to everyone.” Her competitive spirit, hard work and attitude exemplify what it means to be a Special Olympics athlete. Thanks for being such a wonderful SOCO leader!

Male Athlete of the Month

Charlie Barenberg
Charlie has competed as a SOCO athlete since 2006, originally starting his training in swimming. He then, quickly became interested in Athletics after some encouragement from his coach. Not knowing what the requirements were until he started training, Charlie caught on rather quick, competing in the 800, 1500 and 5000 meter races. He has been winner of the gold medal in the 5000 meter distance for the past 5 years at state games. As well, he has since had several gold medal finishes and was selected for Team Colorado and competed in the 2010 National Games in Lincoln, NE. Charlie carried on to run for his high school track and cross country teams and currently attends Eastern New Mexico University. He is an exceptional athlete and leader in the Special Olympics community and we are proud to recognize him as Male Athlete of the Month and thank him for being such a great role model!