Liz Konopasek, of the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s physical therapy department, was given the Kerrie Orozco Volunteer Award in April during the Omaha Public Schools’ Fellowship Games.
The award honors Konopasek for embodying the spirit of volunteerism and supporting the partnership between Omaha Public Schools and Special Olympics Nebraska. It is given through Special Olympics Nebraska and the Omaha Police Department.
This year was the first time the award has been given, but it will continue to be given to individuals who embody the volunteer spirit — specifically in promoting unified sports and the partnership of Special Olympics and OPS.
Members of the Omaha Police Department presented the award to Konopasek in honor of Orozco, an Omaha police officer who lost her life in the line of duty in 2015. Orozco was a longtime volunteer, coach and supporter of youth sports.
Konopasek said she was “honored beyond words” to receive the award.
“I love the idea of unifying athletes of all abilities, and to be recognized for helping OPS students accomplish this is unexpected but very exciting,” she said. “I have helped with the OPS Fellowship Games since we started having the events four years ago, but all the extra work has been a pleasure since the kids have so much fun.”
The Fellowship Games are for OPS middle school students who are in the Alternate Curriculum Program, which is a special education program. Together with general education peers they participate in three sporting events a year.
“Special Olympics Nebraska has helped us by helping to provide equipment and by guiding some of the rules for our activities and games,” Konopasek said.