Doug and Stacy Cottom of Harrisburg have received the 2016 Special Olympics Illinois’ Outstanding Lifetime Service Award. They were honored at a reception on June 10 before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Illinois State University in Normal.
The Outstanding Lifetime Service Award is given to an outstanding individual who encompasses the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois and has shown their dedication to the organization and to serving its mission and goals.
Doug and Stacy Cottom have welcomed Special Olympics into their bowling facility, Ross Cottom Lanes, for over 25 years. They have allowed Special Olympics a place to compete for bowling competitions.
The Cottoms have always been very welcoming when Special Olympics comes in for their Bowling Competitions. They always immediately provide whatever is asked of them. They make absolutely sure that the Special Olympics athletes have a quality competition and a fabulous time. They have always kept games at a reasonable price for Special Olympics. They also provide plenty of volunteers during days of competition.
A few years ago before the Special Olympics Bowling Competition, the Cottom’s townhouse was hit by a tornado, destroying the townhouse and most of their belongings. The Cottom’s were also injured and lost most of what they have. That didn’t stop them from continuing their service for the Bowling Competition. The Cottom’s made sure that nothing interfered with the competition knowing how important it was for the athletes.
In 2016, Ross Cottom Lanes once again, welcomed Special Olympics as the Rend Lake Polar Plunge Pre-Registration Party was held in their lounge with no charge for the facility.
Doug and Stacy have not just been a facility, but have been great friends to the athletes, coaches and Area 14 of Special Olympics.
