Welcome to Skagit County
November 29th, 2005
LINDQUIST, SKAGIT VALLEY YMCA WIN J. LARRY RUSSELL AWARD
SKAGIT COUNTY – Each year, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners award the J. Larry Russell to an individual or organization recognizing outstanding support and dedication to Skagit County’s Special Olympics Program. On Monday, November 28, the 2005 award was presented to Cindy Lindquist and the Skagit Valley YMCA.
The award is named in honor of J. Larry Russell, one of the original members of the Skagit Valley Special Olympics Program. Russell passed away nine years ago.
Skagit County Senior Services Director Tim Holloran has voluntarily served as Coordinator for Skagit County’s Special Olympics Program for several years, was on hand to recognize Lindquist and the Skagit Valley YMCA. “Currently there are over 200 special athletes participating in our county’s program,” said Holloran. “Ongoing support from volunteers, residents and service organizations provides a stable foundation enabling our program to continue its reputation of being one of the best in the west.”
Holloran said that Lindquist has been a strong advocate for children and adults with special needs for many years. “When you say, “Skagit Valley YMCA, you can’t help but think of Cindy Lindquist.”
He thanked Lindquist for her role in starting the Otter Swim Program at the “Y” and integrating young swimmers with special needs. “Cindy has worked one-on-one with many of our special friends in the pool and in other exceptional programs offered at the “Y,” said Holloran.
He also thanked her for her role in creating the “Strong Kids In Training” (SKIT) program that partners swimmers with special athletes with peers serving as personal trainers and was instrumental in establishing a Special Olympics swim program at the YMCA. “She even recruited her sons and their friends from the Chinook Swim Team and high school to help coach,” said Holloran.
In addition to Lindquist and the YMCA’s contribution for swimming activities, Holloran also lauded her for the Special Olympics Soccer Program utilizing their indoor soccer facility in Mount Vernon. “Her hard work over the years may seem unappreciated. This recognition is long overdue,” he said.
For further information, contact Tim Holloran at 360-336-9317