The Distinguished Service Awards are the most prestigious awards given by Special Olympics Montana. Nominations are received from Special Olympics Montana volunteers, coaches, parents, and athletes. A selection committee is appointed to review the submissions and is charged with the difficult task of selecting a winner in each award category.
There are nine awards including the following: Athlete of the Year, Adult Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Hall of Fame, Family of the Year, Local Program of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Unified Champion School of the Year, and the Spirit of Special Olympics.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Distinguished Service Awards!
Nominations must be received by May 29th, 2026.
2026 Distinguished Service Award Winners
Athlete of the Year
Hilary Benjamin
Missoula, MT
Unified Champion School of the Year
Billings West High School
Billings, MT
Coach of the Year
Chris Findley
Helena, MT
Spirit of Special Olympics
Organization
The Ranch Club
Missoula, MT
Spirit of Special Olympics
Individual
Domingo Zapata
Tri-County Area
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Chilo Imlay
2025 Distinguished Service Award Winners
Athlete of the Year
Kyle Norman
Helena Halos
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Kim Diest
Glacier Area
Family of the Year
Lloyd, Kelly & Lance Larson
Billings, MT
Local Program of the Year
Billings Adults
Yellowstone Valley Area
Coach of the Year
Steve Lettengarver
Teton Tigers
Hall of Fame
Tammy Grimm
Billings | Yellowstone Valley Area
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Jai Baumann
Box Elder Bears
Unified Champion School of the Year
Carroll College
Helena, MT
Spirit of Special Olympics – Individual
Kris Kelly
Polson Pirates
Spirit of Special Olympics – Group
Great Falls Police Department
Great Falls, MT
2024 Distinguished Service Award Winners
Athlete of the Year
Jared Redeen
Missoula Diamondbacks
Adult Volunteer of the Year
Amanda Minchew
Billings | Yellowstone Valley Area
Family of the Year
Carl, Kaylene, and Carson Patten
Central Montana Eagles
Local Program of the Year
Miles City Adults
Miles City, MT
Coach of the Year
Brooke Hollowell
Miles City Adults
Hall of Fame
Tiffani Coleman
Billings | Yellowstone Valley Area
Distinguished Service Awards
Athlete of the Year
For the athlete who epitomizes the spirit of a true winner by a willingness to help others and give his or her very best while displaying outstanding courage and sportsmanship.
Coach of the Year
For the volunteer or professional who, as a certified Special Olympics coach in any official Special Olympics sport, best demonstrates the high degree of technical skill, commitment and compassion needed to motivate and train athletes for competition and for life.
Local Program of the Year
For the accredited Special Olympics program that shows the greatest improvement, best exemplifies the Special Olympics spirit and concept, and provides a well-developed year-round program for the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families of Special Olympics Montana.
Adult Volunteer of the Year
For the best example of a currently registered adult volunteer who serves to improve the quality of Special Olympics at the local, area or chapter level.
Family of the Year
For the family of a Special Olympics athlete that makes unique and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities through Special Olympics Montana.
Youth Volunteer of the Year
For the best example of volunteerism by a youth 18 years or under who serves to improve the quality of Special Olympics program and models a world of acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
Unified Champion School of the Year
For a K-12 or college-level Unified Champion School that effectively and successfully embraces Unified Sports, youth leadership and advocacy, and whole school engagement.
Spirit of Special Olympics
For the individual or organization who, through the long-term commitment to Special Olympics Montana, best exemplifies the dedication and unselfish efforts associated with the true spirit of Special Olympics. (New in 2025 – this award will be TWO awards – one for an individual; one for an organization!)
Hall of Fame
The qualifying volunteer must have given a minimum of 10 years of service to Special Olympics Montana. This award recognizes the lifetime achievement of an individual who has given exemplary service to the mission of Special Olympics Montana. This individual has charted new levels of excellence and enriched the lives of Special Olympics athletes and our community with strength of character, wonderful spirit, compassion, and insightful leadership.
