Cathy Morris Direct Support Professional, REM South Central Services
Grant Recipient, Special Olympics of Minnesota

Eight years ago, Cathy began volunteering with Special Olympics of Minnesota, an organization that provides year-round training and competitions for 17 Olympic-style sports for children and adults with disabilities. Over time, Cathy has taken on increasing amounts of responsibility and has risen to the Head of Delegation, where she oversees the entire southwest Minnesota territory. In this role, Cathy ensures that coaches and teams are properly certified and registered for each event, in addition to scheduling practices, transportation, and other event logistics. She also assists with fundraising and expansion initiatives for the Redwood Falls chapter, including implementing the first Young Athletes program in the area, which has had more than 70 children, ages 2 to 7, participate. Cathy attends all competitions in the southwest Minnesota region and loves supporting the teams.

Cathy has truly played an integral role in expanding and enhancing the Redwood Falls chapter of Special Olympics Minnesota, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded Special Olympics Minnesota’s Outstanding Spirit Award for 2013, and the award has brought a lot of positive attention to the Redwood Falls chapter, including a recent invitation for athletes to be recognized by the Minnesota Twins at an upcoming baseball game.

The Redwood Falls chapter of Special Olympics of Minnesota will receive a $500 grant from The Foundation in honor of Cathy’s volunteer spirit and hard work.