Snapshots of the 2001 Ceremony

"BO" SCHEMBECHLER WELCOMES
2001 HALL OF FAME HONOREES

Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame Awards Dinner

On October 4, four athletes were inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. The 3rd annual awards dinner recognized and honored Michigan's athletes with disabilities who have demonstrated achievement in sports and are positive role models in the community. "The Hall of Fame is a great means for increasing awareness across the country to people with disabilities," said Hall of Fame President, A.J. Filippis.

The individuals honored this year are, Kevin Degen (cycling); Ann Greco (tennis); Female Athlete of the Year, Mary Stack (powerlifting); Male Athlete of the Year, Scott Suszko (wrestling); and Duncan Wyeth (cycling, discus, javelin).

Diane Winterstein of Sterling Heights was presented with the Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to disabled people. She is active with the Michigan Wheelchair Athletic Association, as coach of the Sterling Heights Challengers wheelchair basketball team. She also coordinates recreation for physically and/or mentally disabled people, through the Sterling Heights Special Recreation Program. "There are so many kids out there who want to make the first step into sports, but are hesitant," Winterstein said. "Sports can be so important for them. Besides all the health benefits, it builds self-esteem and helps them make advances to independent living. It can be a life-changing activity."

The Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame demonstrates that with determination and a positive attitude, any goal is attainable. Inductee Kevin Degen, who is afflicted with Cerebral Palsy said, "I want people to understand that we (people with disabilities) can do equal or more than other people. You can do anything you set your mind to." Degen cycles about 3,000 miles a year on his adult tri-cycle, to raise money for charities.

Mary Stack, Female Athlete of the Year said, "Tonight is very exciting, it's important to get such recognition, and I've worked very hard for it." Stack was recognized for her accomplishments in power lifting. Despite having pseudohypoparathyroidism, she has broken several records in her sport, and competed at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000.

The awards ceremony was held at Penna's of Sterling Heights, with former University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler serving as Honorary Chairperson for the evening. Schembechler shared stories of his coaching days and a strong message that a person's goals are always within reach, no matter what obstacles may lie ahead. Mark "Doc" Andrews of WOMC radio was the Master of Ceremonies. "This is my third year as emcee and it's an honor," said Andrews, "This is sport in its purest form. These athletes are just as important as any athlete because they have excelled."