Claremont resident earns 2017 Special Olympics N.C. Coordinator of the Year honors

CATAWBA COUNTY - Claremont'sLisa Carroll was named the 2017 Special Olympics North Carolina Coordinator of the Year, Keith L. Fishburne said, who is the president/CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina.

"I was shocked," Carroll said. "It is such an honor to receive the award."

Carroll was surprised when Fishburne announced her as the Coordinator of the Year - and also when her family and friends were at the convention to support her.

"I had no idea they were there; I was totally surprised," Carroll said.

"We had a volunteer from Special Olympics N.C. in each county of the state to make sure that the Special Olympics took place and after looking at all of Lisa's accomplishments, we knew she was well deserving of the award," Fishburne said.

Carroll received the award during the 2017 Special Olympics North Carolina Leadership Conference in recognition of her leadership of the local Special Olympics program in Catawba County.

Fishburne could not recall another Catawba County recipient of the award in his 28 years working with Special Olympics North Carolina.

"Special Olympics Catawba County has improved under (Lisa's) leadership," Fishburne said. "The tennis, soccer and basketball programs have expanded under her leadership."

As part of her work to improve the Special Olympics program in Catawba County, Carroll has placed a strong emphasis on developing a committee of volunteers focused on fundraising, volunteer management, athlete recruitment, sports and coaching.

"The goal was not to receive an award," Carroll said. "Our goal was to improve the program and make additions."

Not only has Carroll increased the number of sports offered in Catawba County with the addition of Unified cheerleading and equestrian, but she also is focused on the inclusivity of the Hispanic population.

"(Lisa's) plan to recruit new Hispanic athletes is great," Fishburne said. "It reflects how the organization is open to any and all athletes."

Carroll, along with co-chair Irene Gomez, has developed ways to reach the Hispanic population in the county, such as creating a Facebook page in Spanish.

"When we took our positions back in 2015, we knew there was a Hispanic population who qualified for the program," Carroll said. "Without the help of Irene, I would not have been able to do it.

Carroll also developed a thorough fundraising plan, including recruiting 20 new corporate sponsors and hosting a large Cross-fit fundraiser, raising nearly $30,000 in 2016.

"A lot of people in the county do not realize that we have a year-round program," Carroll said.

Catawba County Special Olympics offers swim, softball, bowling and a cheer team in the spring and soccer, tennis and basketball in the fall.

If interested in volunteering or to learn more about the Catawba County Special Olympics program, visit www.facebook.com/specialolympicscatawbacounty/.

Special Olympics Catawba County is recruiting new athletes, volunteers, coaches and sponsors. Interested individuals can email Lisa Carroll at sonccatawba@gmail.com or call 828-308-5847.