Recognizing Our Leadership Award Winners
Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida
Each year, Special Olympics Florida recognizes individuals in the community who go above and beyond in support of our mission and Special Olympics Florida athletes. Join us in celebrating the recipients of this year’s Leadership Awards!
Bill Crutchfield Award
The Bill Crutchfield Award is presented to the volunteer who has shown distinguished service and positively impacted the lives of people with and without intellectual disabilities. This year’s winner is Phyllis Crain, from the West Coast Region.
Phyllis is a dedicated coach and mentor on and off the field. She coaches more than 10 different sports ranging from triathlon to flag football to pickleball. Her belief in every athlete’s potential and her commitment to creating an inclusive training environment have had a lasting impact on countless athletes. She embodies the spirit of Special Olympics Florida by promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and the joy of participation.
Kathy Graybeal Award
The Kathy Graybeal Award
The Kathy Graybeal Award recognizes the family that makes a unique and lasting contribution to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through their involvement with Special Olympics Florida. This year’s recipient is the Vannetta family, from the West Coast Region.
For more than 40 years, Pat, Sheryl, and Shannon have played an essential role in Special Olympics Florida events across the state. Whether it’s managing equestrian competitions or leading track and field awards ceremonies, the Vannetta family is always willing to help. They, along with granddaughter Mariah, offer their time, leadership, and problem-solving skills to ensure events run smoothly, consistently keeping the spotlight on the athletes they serve.
Unified Partner of the Year
The Unified Partner of the Year is someone who exemplifies an attitude of social inclusion and who is dedicated to improving the skills, fitness, confidence, and friendships of our athletes. The 2025 honoree is Wesley Craven, from the West Coast Region.
Wesley has been volunteering with Special Olympics Florida since childhood and became a Unified partner in 2017. She has played seven different Unified sports and achieved various successes at the state and nationwide levels. Wesley has displayed an unwavering willingness to participate, often traveling out of state from her college campus to support her Special Olympics Florida partners in the West Coast Region. Her kindness, compassion, and commitment have had a significant impact on the lives of many athletes.
Marilyn Grigsby Award
The Marilyn Grigsby Award is presented to an association, corporation, civic or fraternal group, business, agency, or school system that has provided sustained involvement, service, guidance, expertise, project management and or leadership over five or more years that has greatly impacted the program, volunteers, or athletes. Special Olympics Florida recognizes the Tampa Metro Civitan Club as this year’s award winner.
For more than five years, the Tampa Metro Civitan Group has been an essential part of Special Olympics Florida’s success in the West Coast Region, providing hands-on support and leadership at every event. Their involvement is instrumental in helping organize events, offering award support, and assisting in competitions. They are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued and welcomed on the playing field and beyond.
Congratulations to the 2025 honorees! Your dedication empowers athletes, strengthens communities, and exemplifies what it means to lead with heart.