Atkinsons: Special couple honored

By KEVIN SAULS

Cecil and Karen Atkinson, the Area Directors for Special Olympics of Tuolumne County, have been recognized for their long service to athletes with special needs.

Rick Collett, President and Chief Executive Officer for Special Olympics of Northern California, conferred special 30-year plaques upon the Atkinsons during the State Summer Games at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton.

"Karen and Cecil represent the best in Special Olympics volunteers," Collett told The Union Democrat. "They are dedicated to each of their athletes, and they both put in countless hours in planning for athlete competitions and helping to ensure that their athletes receive the best training. They do it all — from fundraising

and administration to athlete and volunteer recruitment. The Tuolumne program would not be in existence without Karen and Cecil. They have made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities."

The Atkinsons began as parent volunteers in 1972.

"We started when the program was a brand new baby," Karen Atkinson said.

She and her husband became Area Coodinators (the title was later changed to Area Director) in 1975. They've been going strong ever since and have just been accredited for two more years. And there's no end in sight, even though he — a retired ironworker — is 66 and she — a photo technician at Wal-Mart — is 62.

"The annual meeting we have jazzes you up," Karen said.

"Sometimes I want to pack it in, but then I get all jazzed up and get all ready to go again," Cecil said.

But there's more to why they keep going than simply getting their batteries recharged every so often.

"It's because of the athletes," Mrs. Atkinson said. "They're wonderful people."

The Atkinsons' involvement in Special Olympics began with two of their own children, daughters Carol and Debbie.

"It helped my kids so much," Karen said. "I saw the confidence they gained in the program. They went on to regular high school."