Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, director of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, attended a holiday dinner at the White House to celebrate the work of Special Olympics.
The event, held Dec. 10, was designed to recognize the organization’s work toward fighting intolerance and promoting inclusion.
The organization provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, advocacy and health assessment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics International’s global presence makes programs and sports activities available to more than 5 million children and adults across more than 200 countries.
Also in attendance was Wyatt Spalding, a fellow Nebraskan and a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger with the organization. Spalding has competed in basketball and tennis through Special Olympics and last year was inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame.
In addition to Nebraska, attendees came from Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, Brazil and Great Britain.
Recognition of Special Olympics at such a high level, especially during the holiday season, is an honor, Dr. Mirnics said.
“It’s about caring for the fellow human being,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the recognition of how many American families are impacted and the important role that Special Olympics plays.”
Dr. Mirnics sits on the board of directors for Special Olympics International and serves as chair of the organization’s global medical advisory committee.
Through his work with the organization and with MMI, Dr. Mirnics said, Nebraska has shown dedication to families of children with developmental disabilities. Support from Gov. Jim Pillen, Congressman Don Bacon and state senators over the years show what an important role Nebraska plays in this global movement, he added.
Being recognized on a national level for moving the humanitarian mission forward “gives you energy to do more, to do it better and get even more involved,” Dr. Mirnics said.
Coming during the holidays is special, too.
“These are the things you celebrate,” he said. “Special Olympics is a big, big family working to change the world for the better.”