When Doug Cottom and his wife Stacy got a call from Rhonda Knight of the Illinois Special Olympics, the conversation was that of good news and bad news.
As Stacy explained, when she first received the phone call, the bad news was that Ross Cottom Lanes was nominated for facility of the year, but unfortunately, did not win.
The good news, however, the two were given the Lifetime Service Award for their participation with Area 14 Special Olympics as they have done so for the last 30-plus years.
The two described winning the award as something that left them speechless.
“It always means more when it comes from a group like the Special Olympics,” Doug said. “That’s why this is so special to us.”
The two were honored at a reception on June 10 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Illinois State University in Normal.
The Cottoms have been hosting the Special Olympics at their bowling alley for over 30 years, when Doug’s dad started doing it back in the 1970’s and early 80’s and have allowed Special Olympics a place to compete for bowling competitions. This year, Doug and Stacy used their lounge free of charge for the Rend Lake Polar Plunge Pre-Registration Party.
The Outstanding Lifetime Service Award is given to an outstanding individual who encompasses the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois and has shown their dedication to the organization and to serving its mission and goals and have allowed Special Olympics a place to compete for bowling competitions.
“It gives us something to look forward to every year,” he said. “The ceremony itself was fabulous. It was really neat to be a part of all of that.”
Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Daily Register. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.
