Politics & Government

DelCo Council Honors Special Olympics Athlete

The council also declares that March is 2011 Intellectual Disability Awareness Month.

MEDIA–During Tuesday’s meeting on March 15, the Delaware County Council took a moment to recognized David DeFino, an athlete of the Special Olympics.

DeFino—who will compete as a member of Team USA in the track and field events, such as the 400-meter dash and the javelin in the 2011 Special Olympics World Games this summer in Athens, Greece—was presented with a resolution that recognized “his outstanding achievement as a Special Olympics athlete and member of the Intellectual Disability community,” said John Whelan, chairman of the council.

In the 2003 Special Olympics World Games in Ireland, DeFino received gold and silver medals for roller skating, Whelan said.

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“This council certainly has great respect for the Special Olympics program in Delaware County, which provides our residents who have intellectual disabilities with a chance to train, to compete, to experience the excitement and camaraderie of sports and to be included in the community,” Whelan said.

He added that the 45-year-old DeFino has participated in the Delaware County Special Olympics for the last 25 years, training in such sports as bowling, floor hockey and golf.

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The council also recognized those with intellectual disabilities for their contributions as well as those from County Office of Intellectual Disabilities, Supports Coordination Organization and members of the Everyday Lives Committee, said Christine Fizzano Cannon, vice chairwoman of the council.

The council declared that March is 2011 Intellectual Disability Awareness Month, she said.

“But the month of March is set aside to spotlight the many abilities and contributions of people who may also have intellectual disabilities,” Cannon stated.


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