2008 Woodie Awards
Special Olympics honors tennis team
Brian Kunsman
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: news
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The Bloomsburg University men's and women's tennis teams were recently recognized by Special Olympics Pennsylvania as "Sports Organization of the Year 2006" for their continued support of the Special Olympic program for Columbia/Montour County.
"At first the players didn't understand what a huge honor it was to receive such an award," said men's and women's tennis coach, Marty Coyne.
"What's funny is that our first response to hearing about it was disappointment because we were led to believe a cake was in the box the Special Olympics Manager was holding. She pulled an award out instead. We were hungry after practice, so we were really looking forward to that cake, but once everyone realized what the recognition was and how incredible it was to be the only sports organization in Pennsylvania to be given such an honor, the response was just pure excitement."
Because tennis is a new sport for Columbia/Montour County Special Olympics, they had very few supplies available to them until some sort of grant money became available. The BU tennis teams loaned rackets, tennis balls, equipment, and court time to the young Special Olympic players eager to hone their tennis skills.
"It's just so neat to be able to help these kids on a regular basis," said Coyne. "These kids just play tennis because it's fun and to see the smiles on their faces is so gratifying. When the students get to work with these special athletes, they develop friendships and a lot of times we end up with more student volunteers than we have Special Olympians."
Coyne actively donates his time to the Special Olympic athletes and makes certain that his own athletes teach valuable lessons.
"Marty Coyne encourages his athletes to volunteer at trainings and to put their knowledge and ability to use," Manager of Special Olympics for Columbia/Montour County, Laura Davis said on the Huskies Tennis website. "Coach Coyne shows his team members specific skills he wants them to teach. By encouraging his athletes to participate in the coaching of Special Olympic athletes, he is not only providing wonderful role models for Special Olympic athletes, but exposing Bloomsburg University athletes to a wonderful life long relationship with Special Olympics."
"At first the players didn't understand what a huge honor it was to receive such an award," said men's and women's tennis coach, Marty Coyne.
"What's funny is that our first response to hearing about it was disappointment because we were led to believe a cake was in the box the Special Olympics Manager was holding. She pulled an award out instead. We were hungry after practice, so we were really looking forward to that cake, but once everyone realized what the recognition was and how incredible it was to be the only sports organization in Pennsylvania to be given such an honor, the response was just pure excitement."
Because tennis is a new sport for Columbia/Montour County Special Olympics, they had very few supplies available to them until some sort of grant money became available. The BU tennis teams loaned rackets, tennis balls, equipment, and court time to the young Special Olympic players eager to hone their tennis skills.
"It's just so neat to be able to help these kids on a regular basis," said Coyne. "These kids just play tennis because it's fun and to see the smiles on their faces is so gratifying. When the students get to work with these special athletes, they develop friendships and a lot of times we end up with more student volunteers than we have Special Olympians."
Coyne actively donates his time to the Special Olympic athletes and makes certain that his own athletes teach valuable lessons.
"Marty Coyne encourages his athletes to volunteer at trainings and to put their knowledge and ability to use," Manager of Special Olympics for Columbia/Montour County, Laura Davis said on the Huskies Tennis website. "Coach Coyne shows his team members specific skills he wants them to teach. By encouraging his athletes to participate in the coaching of Special Olympic athletes, he is not only providing wonderful role models for Special Olympic athletes, but exposing Bloomsburg University athletes to a wonderful life long relationship with Special Olympics."