Douglas County Special Olympics Program Named Tops in Georgia

Special Olympics Georgia says Douglas County has the state’s top local Special Olympics program.

Douglas County Special Olympics Program was recently honored with the award, according to a press release.

The award was presented to Christie Mills, Therapeutic Programs Director of the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department, and Frank Moran, Chairman of the Douglas County Therapeutic Board, by Jake Strother, SOGA Area 3 Regional Manager.

The award goes to the program “that shows the greatest improvement, best exemplifies the SOGA spirit and concept, and provides a well-developed year-round program for the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families of SOGA.”

Ellen Holland of Douglas County was named “Outstanding Adult Volunteer” by SOGA. The award is presented to the person who give the “best example of volunteer efforts made to improve the quality of SOGA at the county, area or state level.”

Holland is the mother of Douglas County Special Olympics athlete Michael Holland, and serves as SOGA’s Co-Director of Medical Services at the State Games. She organized recruitment and training sessions, and coordinates the schedules of all medical personnel at County Special Olympics’ and SOGA’s events. Michael competes in bowling, swimming, skiing and golf, and serves as a global messenger speaking on behalf of SOGA.

Douglas County Special Olympics was established as a part of the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department in 2005 and originally offered bocce, softball, basketball and bowling to its athletes.  The program has grown over the years and now also includes volleyball, powerlifting, swimming, tennis and golf.