Mentor
One who invests herself in helping another as a counselor, role model, helper or encourager

Penny Trip

Nominated by her friend, Catherine C. Myers

Catherine says, “Penny has been involved with Special Olympics for the past thirty years. She began her involvement with her son Boe, who has Down's Syndrome. Approximately ten years ago, she began looking for a sport that could serve all disabilities, was cost effective, and easy for anyone to do. She found it in bowling. She contacted the local bowling alley in Gulfport and with four athletes began the Alley Cats Bowling League. The league serves the recreational need of disabled adults. Her vision and goal was that all the lanes of the bowling alley would be filled with bowlers. From those four athletes in one lane, the league grew to its current size of fifty-plus athletes. Besides coach, she is a friend, confidant, mediator and mentor to them. She can be seen giving a hug, a smile, or a high five. When asked why she has been so involved with this activity every Saturday, she says that it is her rest time. It is a time when she can enjoy the sheer pleasure of God's love through these special people. To work with her is a privilege; to know her is an honor. She is an illustration of God's love – pure, embracing and patient.

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