MMI’s Iwand honored by Special Olympics Nebraska

Marne Iwand

Marne Iwand, of the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Department of Physical Therapy, received the Golisano Health Leadership Award on May 17 at the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Nebraska.

The award honors health champions and their extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Special Olympics global health program.

“It was an honor to represent our institution,” Iwand said. “This recognition is also due to great support and teamwork. I was overwhelmed to receive the honor — and am still overwhelmed by it.”

Iwand has participated in the Special Olympics “Fun Fitness” program since 2009.

“The athletes teach me something every year,” she said.

As a Golisano Award recipient, Iwand is now eligible along with other award winners on the local level to be chosen as one of seven global honorees to attend the World Games in Abu Dhabi in March 2019. The seven winners for the World Games will be selected later this year.