For 13 years, David Potter has dedicated his life to making a difference for people with disabilities. From August through June, he's a physical education teacher for all special education students in the Royal Oak school district. But his commitment to people with disabilities runs much deeper than that of a typical teacher -- and it is why he is this year's logical choice as recipient of the Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award.

Potter's upbeat, positive attitude shines through in everything he does for his students. In addition to his regular class schedule, he often takes students on field trips such so they can enjoy the excitement of activities such as fishing, bowling or archery. It is his dedication to his students that has earned him the recognition as the State of Michigan Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and as an Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

When Potter is not in the classroom, he runs the Royal Oak Learn to Swim program, which includes a one-on-one class for swimmers with special needs. He is also the head coach of the Royal Oak Schools Special Olympics Team, which competes in approximately six competitions each year.

Potter's coaching duties don't end there - he is the head coach of the Royal Oak Schools Charging Knights. The Charging Knights are a group of physically impaired students who compete in the Michigan Victory Games.

One of Potter's notable athletes is Mary Stack, a powerlifter who represented the United States at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. Honored as the Hall of Fame's Female Athlete of the Year in 2001, Mary attributed a great deal of her success to the support and encouragement given to her by her coach, David Potter.

As a teacher, as a coach, and as a friend, David Potter makes a daily commitment to persons with disabilities. Tonight, the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame is proud to present David Potter with the 2003 Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award.