By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Dolores A. Black Gymnasium in the Bowling Green Community Center has been more than just a gym since it opened 20 years ago.
“The space has been a home for athletes to grow, connect and shine,” Jennifer Krouse, coordinator of the Wood County Special Olympics, said during the recent 20th anniversary of the gymnasium.
In addition to serving the more than 450 local Special Olympians, “it has also served as a venue for Wood Lane student graduations, early intervention playgroups and countless recreation activities,” she said. “The gym truly continues to be a place for so many meaningful programs and memories.”
At the heart of the space is long-time friend, volunteer, advocate and gym namesake Dolores Black, “whose remarkable dedication and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on Special Olympics in Wood County,” Krouse said.
Black, who is known for her generosity and spirit of helping others, was instrumental in establishing the physical education program at Wood Lane.
Using her passion for students and her expertise as a faculty member since 1963 in Bowling Green State University’s Health and Physical Education Program, she was instrumental in developing a physical education curriculum for individuals with developmental disabilities. And Wood Lane was the initial beneficiary of her efforts.
Black’s initial work in physical education at Wood Lane morphed into full-fledged involvement in Special Olympics, which were very dear to her. She participated at the county, state and national level. She volunteered, chaired and served on committees for Special Olympics and the Wood County Board as early as 1973. She also treasured the “Saturday Morning Love Affair,” an every-other-week social and recreational event for people with a variety of disabilities.
Through her contributions, Black also created a paid internship with Wood County Special Olympics each year. The internship, named for her, provided valuable experience for a student and strengthened the program in countless ways, supporting coaching, planning, competitions and special events.
“She had a vision and a belief in the power of inclusive sports,” Krouse said. ”She championed the mission of the Wood County Special Olympics, touching the lives of athletes, families and volunteers, and creating opportunities for athletes to grow their skills, build friendships and shine on and off the court. The ripple effect of her impact will continue to be felt for generations.”
Black thanked the families and staff members who were involved with the program in the early days, including Mary Sehmann, who was the Special Olympics coordinator and served with Black for 27 years.
“We were able to provide strong technical training to the athletes, improving their athletic skills and allowing them to showcase their abilities,” Sehmann said about Black’s involvement. “She served as chair of the Special Olympics Advisory Board for over 30 years and always helped with creative ideas to obtain donations for facilities, equipment and national level opportunities for our athletes.”
Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Brent Baer praised Black for her foresight and dedication to Wood Lane’s programs, which have created a significant number of Wood County athletes who compete in nine Special Olympics sports.
“We continue to see that foundation that started in the 1960s and ‘70s to develop sports and just the ability to belong,” Baer said. “The 1960s were difficult years for us in the developmental disabilities system, and the 1970s had significant challenges. But as you know, if Dolores Black wants something to happen, we all say ‘yes.’”
Wood Lane students and Special Olympics athletes have been using the gym for 20 years, demonstrating what inclusion looks like, whether it’s Special Olympics volleyball or basketball, Wood Lane graduation or the early intervention playgroups that use the gym, he said.
“Some of those foundations happened years ago, as much as 30, 40 and 50 years ago, thanks to Dolores,” Baer said. With that, the audience of approximately 100 people stood and applauded her efforts. “I want Dolores to feel your appreciation,” he said.
In addition to honoring Black for her contributions over the years, the ceremony also recognized the accomplishments of the Special Olympians from Wood County.
Thirty individuals received Certificates of Achievements: Cary Barnett, Josh Barnett, Brandyn Broshious, Sean Brown, Alanna Bucksky, Wayne Burriss, Gavin Coonrod, Jordan Doncoes, Virginia Downs, Kristin Fisher, Melissa Frizado, Cristina Gray, Tyler Hitt, Grace Laube, Barb Markin, Nate McDaniel, Dennis Miller, Michael Nuzum, Virginia Nuzum, Kim Paxton, Derek Perrine, Ryan Rath, Abigail Sattler, Samantha Sisco, Jo Lynn Snyder, Gene Stokes, Kelly Stucker, Kayle Teetrick, Chad Teneyck and Cody Wells.
Coach-Nominated Athlete Awards also were presented to (l-r) Abigail Sattler, Most Improved Athlete Award; Gene Stokes, Achievement Award; Virginia Nuzum, Dedication Award; Dennis Miller, Sportsmanship Award; Barbara Markin, Coaches Award; and Chad Teneyck, Comeback Award.
“Each of you has competed and inspired us throughout the year with your hard work, determination and passion for sport,” Krouse said. “You represent the heart of our program, and we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
