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November 5, 2002 GEGEN FAMILY RECEIVES J. LARRY RUSSELL COMMEMORATIVE AWARD SKAGIT COUNTY - This year's winner of the J. Larry Russell Award was presented to the Ed Gegen family of Anacortes by the Skagit County Commissioners last week. Volunteer Special Olympics Coordinator Tim Holloran was on hand to recognize the family for their contribution to Special Olympics. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization for their outstanding support of Special Olympics in Skagit County. "Larry Russell, one of the original members of Special Olympics here in our valley, was a self-imposed ambassador for our program," said Holloran. The Gegen family includes Ed and Jeannie, Carlo, Anthony and Natasha. Ed started out as a Special Olympics coach and soon had his entire family helping with practices, over-night tournaments, transportation, fundraising and special events. The entire family is involved and committed to the program, said Holloran. "It's hard to believe that it was thirteen years ago when Ed and Jeannie became involved with the program," he said. "Once we got involved, it was so rewarding and fulfilling, well you know, just can't get away," said Ed Gegen. Anthony Gegen is a Special Olympics athlete. He is 21 years old, graduating from Anacortes High School in 2000. He has worked to two years at Blockbuster Video. He has been in Special Olympics since the age of eight, and trains and competes in basketball, bowling, swimming, soccer and softball. "He would like you to know he has one "big" box of medals in his bedroom," said Holloran. Commissioner Ted Anderson welcomed and introduced Larry Russell's mother, Gladys Buhrow, who attended the ceremony. "This award is one of a kind and perhaps the only one in the nation honoring community support for Special Olympics as a tribute to the life and legacy of a Special Olympian," said Anderson. For further information,
contact: Dan Berentson
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