The 2023 Special Olympics North Dakota Awards Banquet will be held at the University of North Dakota's Memorial Union in Grand Forks, ND, date is to be determined. Invitations and registration for the event will be displayed here closer the the event. This is a one day conference offers various programming tracks, including one for Athletes, Coaches and General. Saturday evening provides an opportunity to honor those committed to our mission with an Annual Awards Ceremony & Banquet.
Special Olympics North Dakota will be taking nominations for 12 different awards including our Hall of Fame Award. You can find all the awards categories and nomination link below.
Special Olympics North Dakota
State Award Categories
Nominations Due August 1, 2023
Athlete of the Year Award (Male & Female)
The award will be presented to both a male and female outstanding athlete who demonstrates the determination and dedication to sportsmanship, training, and athlete leadership opportunities. The athlete exemplifies the true skill, courage, spirit, and joy of participating in Special Olympics.
Coach of the Year Award
The award will be presented to an outstanding coach who demonstrates the true ideals of the coaching profession through sportsmanship, technical skills, and commitment to the well-being of the athletes and their performance. Prefer nominations to be certified Special Olympics coaches.
Outstanding Volunteer Award
The award will be presented to an individual who has provided leadership through volunteerism, commitment to the program and has impacted some aspect of the athlete and Special Olympics movement.
Outstanding Family Award
The award will be presented to the family of an athlete that carries the philosophy and mission of Special Olympics through sportsmanship, community access and exemplifies an active volunteer family.
Outstanding Organization Award
The award will be presented to a business, corporation, civic group, or agency whose efforts through voluntary and/or financial support have significantly increased opportunities and experiences for Special Olympics athletes.
Outstanding School Award
The award will be presented to the school or school system, which has best demonstrated its commitment to supporting Special Olympics athletes and programs. This is evidenced by involvement from its administration, educators, student bodies, and in-kind support.
Youth Service Award (Ages 8-25)
The award will be presented to a volunteer 25 years of age or younger who has volunteered for Special Olympics within the past year and has demonstrated measurable service to the program. Shows initiative, enthusiasm, demonstrates leadership qualities and helps educate others about the program.
Continuous Service Award
The award will be presented to an individual, business, corporation, civic group or agency that, over the years, has been consistently committed to improving the lives of Special Olympics athletes through voluntary and/or financial support of Special Olympics.
Law Enforcement Torch Run ® “Flame of Hope” Award
The award will be presented to an individual, business, corporation, civic group or agency that has supported the sportsmanship, partnership and prosperity between law enforcement and Special Olympics through voluntary and/or financial support of Special Olympics North Dakota.
Roger Kerns Character Award
The award will be presented to the Special Olympics participant that demonstrates leadership in their community or school, practices good sportsmanship on and off the field and exhibits their commitment to Special Olympics as a consistent participant, team leader, fundraiser, and advocate for Special Olympics.
Hall of Fame Award
Special Olympics North Dakota will honor and publicly recognize individuals and athletes who have made outstanding contributions in North Dakota, based on reputable performance attested to a personal record of accomplishment. The goal of the Hall of Fame is to provide current and future athletes and volunteers an image of a great role model for SOND athletes, volunteers, and family members.
Nomination Form (Downloadable)
