Special Olympics Athlete Rebecca Nerney is Honored with Richard L. Van Kirk Outstanding Outreach Achievement Award

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is pleased to announce Rebecca Nerney as this year’s recipient of the Richard L. Van Kirk Outstanding Outreach Achievement Award.

The Richard L. Van Kirk Outreach Award is presented annually to a Special Olympics Southern California Global Messenger who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in advancing the cause of Special Olympics. Global Messengers are Special Olympics athletes who help spread the message and vision of the movement as well as the benefits they have gained by participating in Special Olympics. As leaders and message-bearers of the movement, Global Messengers communicate the powerful declarations of hope, acceptance, dignity and courage of Special Olympics athletes around the world.

Rebecca Nerney competes in golf and volleyball with Special Olympics. She previously represented Special Olympics USA at the 1991 Special Olympics World Games in Minneapolis on the equestrian team. Along with competing with Special Olympics, Nerney gives her time as a volunteer. Nerney also holds many responsibilities with the Kiwanis Action Club and the Toastmaster’s Gavel Club. She is currently employed at the Downtown Disney AMC Theater.

“She inspires everyone who hears her speak and is an excellent representative for both the Special Olympics Orange County office and for our organization as a whole,” said Marilyn Skinner, Special Olympics Orange County Global Messenger Program Leader.

Nerney became a Global Messenger in 2005. Since she began representing Special Olympics as a Global Messenger, she has given hundreds presentations to law enforcement agencies, organizations, corporations and colleges and even has made television appearances.

About Special Olympics Southern California

Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of more than 19,625 athletes with intellectual disabilities and their communities through sports, education, and athlete health. Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California provides free year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation develops improved physical fitness and motor skills and greater self-confidence. Special Olympics has become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. As a result, people with intellectual disabilities become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Learn how you can get involved at www.sosc.org.