Recognizing Excellence


"People wonder where the spirit comes from that spurs a person with a physical disability to achieve some the things that I've achieved in my life. I have been encouraged by all those around me."

Words of inspiration and encouragement filled the room at the 4th Annual Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame Award Ceremony. Keynote speaker, Dr. Ronan Tynan moved the crowd of nearly 500 people with both his inspirational words and his beautiful singing. Tynan, a double amputee, is a member of the world-renowned Irish Tenors, a doctor, and a paralympian. Tynan was born with a deformity of his legs and later had them amputated at the age of 20, due to injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident. He spoke of the adversity he had to overcome in his life in order to achieve his goals and the support of his family, namely his father, who helped him to overcome that adversity.

"Succeeding in whatever we do is not a solo act," said Tynan. "Teasing got to me, but it didn't stay with me. I can say that occurred because of one man – my father – who whispered in my ear, 'you're great.'"

The Hall of Fame welcomed four new inductees – Bill Griggs, a paralympian; Ken Huber, for his accomplishments in several wheelchair sports such as bowling, motorized slalom, air guns and table tennis; Marguerite Maddox, a paralympian; and Marva Ways, for her accomplishments in wheelchair basketball, table tennis, and field events. The Sterling Heights Challengers Wheelchair Basketball Team received the Team Athletes of the Year award, and Warren Orlick was honored with the Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as an instructor in his Adaptive Golf clinic.

WOMC Radio's Mark "Doc" Andrews emceed the event, and as always, did a wonderful job. Thank you to all of the sponsors for your continued support. If you would like additional information about the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, visit their website at www.adhof.org.