PSI FAMILY SERVICES NAMED ADULT PROGRAM OF THE YEAR 2002-2003

DC Special Olympic Team Goes to Ireland
WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2003
DC Special Olympics awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to PSI FAMILY SERVICES, INC., “whose interest, enthusiasm, and unselfish efforts gave Special Olympics athletes a chance to learn, and a chance to grow through sports.”  “We are thrilled to be recognized for our contribution to the efforts of Special Olympics,” said Dr. Yvonne Ali , Executive Administrator of PSI FAMILY SERVICES.  “My hat goes off to Teddy Walker, a PSI employee for 21 years and coaching veteran of DC Special Olympics. Mr. Walker’s commitment to our participants and his dedication are living testament to our motto, Helping People Grow®.”

For the very first time, the Special Olympics World Summer Games are being staged outside the U.S., in Ireland. From June 16th through June 29th, 7,000 Special Olympics Athletes from 62 countries will participate in this unique celebration of sporting achievement.

Four years ago, two PSI athletes were selected to participate in the World Games in Durham, North Carolina for the first time. This year, four athletes from Washington, DC have qualified to participate in Ireland and Mr. Walker was named head coach for the DC team. One of the four is Kevin Gafford, a 42-year old athlete and PSI program participant. “I am very proud of all of our DC athletes,” added Mr. Walker. “They have trained very hard and their excitement and motivation are contagious.”

Since the Special Olympics DC Summer Games, May 12-16, 2003 at Catholic University, the DC Special Olympic Team has been very busy.  They have participated in several fundraising events; the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the SEGA Run with members of Congress, and the Presidential Run at Ft. Myers top the list.  The team has also been treated to a tour of the Capitol with Senator Edward Kennedy and a reception at the Irish Embassy where they met the Irish Prime Minister. “These are very exciting moments for our athletes,” said Mr. Walker, “but it’s the intense desire that they show throughout the year to participate that makes me proud to be a part of their team.”