At its annual Night of Champions, Special Olympics New Jersey honors and celebrates outstanding individuals and groups.
In the year leading up to the big event, award candidates are identified and nominated by their peers. These nominations are reviewed by a committee, and finally the award recipients are revealed. Awards categories include 13 outstanding county athletes, several volunteers, spirit awards, Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame, Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
The Outstanding State Level Volunteer Award recognizes exemplary voluntary service by an individual to Special Olympics New Jersey at state competitions and events. The award was presented by Kevin McCormac.
“Scott Phillips got his start with Special Olympics New Jersey at alpine skiing as an athlete escort. After he was done for the day, he asked what else he could do. Jokingly, we told him he could go to the cross-country and snowshoe venue for break down. We said jokingly because that is a position nobody volunteers for. After that first day, SONJ received an email from Phillips with suggestions to improve competition. Little did he know we were going to reel him in for a higher role.
Since then, Phillips has been a dedicated Winter Games committee member at snowshoeing and cross-country. His commitment to providing athletes with an ideal course design is inspiring. His dedication to creating fair and equal courses for all athletes is shown in his work. Each morning, Phillips brings a team of employees from his company to build the course from scratch, taking them away from their regular day-to-day work to provide the best possible experience for the athletes.
Phillips’ company also played a huge role for the Special Olympics New Jersey community by designing and building the current cauldron used at all state Games. Drawing inspiration from previous designs, they created a symbol of unity and celebration. I, Kevin McCormack can attest to his workmanship as I got an up-close look at the 2016 Summer Games when I became the first athlete to light the new cauldron.
Through the years, Phillips has shown what it means for volunteers to have a meaningful experience. His dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on Special Olympics New Jersey athletes and families attending our state games.”