Nominated by Special Olympics Staff member, Chass SeymourAthletics are a
close second in Scott's world. His first passion is to always strive to be an
awesome human being and role model for people of all ages and abilities. Scott
Gerson is finishing up his sophomore year of high school, but has been involved
with Special Olympics Maryland in various roles since 2006. He began
volunteering locally in Southern MD with the tennis program, working his way up
to being not only a volunteer but a full-on advocate off the court and an
active participant on the court. He now serves as a leader on the Youth Unity
Committee (among other committees and focus groups), competes as a Unified
Partner in Unified Sports at his high school, coordinates the "Spread the
Word to End the Word Campaign" with his school staff and peers, and
volunteers (when not completing Internship hours) for Special Olympics Project
UNIFY as a social media specialist. Not only does this young man speak up about
bullying, he shows by effortless example that inclusion works! Scott makes it
easy and fun for me to do my job as an SOMD staff member, Unified Sports
trainer, and huge fan of inclusion. He honestly embodies and portrays what all
human beings should strive for.
Susan Gerson, his mother
Scott has been an active volunteer and unified partner in
Special Olympics for the past five years. In addition to spending nearly every
weekend at practice, local qualifiers, and state games, he has spread his involvement
into the local high school by joining the Special Olympics club, fundraising
for and participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, and joining the Spread the Word
to End the Word campaign. His Facebook page proudly promotes his involvement in
Special Olympics and Camp Pals, and he works at the state level on the Project
Unify youth committee. As a parent, I would not normally nominate my own child
for an award, but candidly his infectious enjoyment of Special Olympics has
impacted our whole family and all of his friends. Recently a parent of one of
his basketball teammates told me she wished my son went to school with hers.
Her son tells her that his classmates pretend to be nice when adults are around
but then ignore him in the halls and at lunch. She wanted me to know that Scott
would never do that. She could tell that his relationships were genuine. I was
so proud!
A few words from
Scott
I began my work with Special Olympics in 2006 when I first
volunteered for my local tennis program. If you have had any experience
with people with intellectual disabilities, you will understand why I instantly
fell in love with the program. Since then, I have also participated in
many other sports, including golf, softball, track and field, basketball, and
t-ball, through Unified Sports and Project Unify programs. As my
involvement grew, I became a member of the Maryland Youth Activation Committee
and the Special Olympics Club at my school. The real reason that I
continue to volunteer and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities is
because I really enjoy building bonds and lasting friendships with the athletes
and other members of the Special Olympics community. Through my
involvement I have taught the athletes about not only sports but also courage,
cooperation, and confidence, traits that will help them in sports as well as
all other aspects of their lives.
Here are some links to charitable organizations that Scott has helped.
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