The Western DuPage Special Recreation Association recently announced the winners of the 2008 WDSRA Community Spirit Awards. The group recognizes community members, volunteers, staff and service clubs.

Here is a list of this year’s recipients:

• David Hinds: Ann Southworth Memorial Award. This honor is presented to a WDSRA participant who is physically challenged, has a love of life and never lets his or her disability get in the way.

• Laura Plemich: Volunteer Recognition Award. This honor is presented to a volunteer who actively promotes recreation for people with special needs and is an advocate for WDSRA programs and services.

• Kim Smith: Part-Time Staff Recognition Award. This honor is presented to a person who goes above and beyond the call of duty and shows a great amount of energy and enthusiasm.

• The Central Dupage, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton Kiwanis groups: Al LaBuhn Service Club Award. This honor is presented to a service club that has been instrumental in acquiring in-kind donations.
 
• Phil Van Dyne: Community Support Award. This honor is presented to a community member who actively promotes recreation for people with special needs and is an advocate for WDSRA programs and services.

• Tydra Davis: Emily Town Memorial Award. This honor is presented to a member of the WDSRA inclusion or park district staff who is an advocate for the inclusion movement and promotes a positive recreational experience for individuals with special needs.
 
• Richard Gaines: Arts and Awareness Award. This honor is presented to a staff or community member who instills creativity and a love of the arts in WDSRA art programs including dance, drama, music and art therapy.
 
• North Central College and Salomon Diaz, manager of Outback Steakhouse in Bloomingdale: Special Recognition Award. This honor is presented to an outstanding group or individual for their contributions to WDSRA.

• DuPage County Forest Preserve: Accessibility Award. This honor is presented to a community district, agency or facility that goes above and beyond to make their facility accessible for everyone to enjoy.

• State Rep. Sandy Pihos: Legislative Award. This honor is presented to a legislator who has supported WDSRA and made a difference in the lives of people with special needs.

• Ryne Stolarz: Linda Barnes Special Olympics Award. This honor is presented to a WDSRA participant or coach who exhibits devotion to Special Olympics.
 
• Megan Hollingsworth: WDSRA Foundation Volunteer of the Year. This honor is presented to a volunteer who has supported the foundation in preparation for and at events.
 
For more information, call WDSRA day programs manager Dori Sonaco at (630) 681-0962 ext. 129.

The association is a nationally acclaimed, nonprofit organization and a cooperative extension of nine park districts including Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.

WDSRA offers more than 1,000 programs, trips and special events to more than 8,000 individuals with special needs each year and has been providing recreation services for people of all ages with disabilities since 1976. We offer Special Olympics and adapted sports, dance and art programs as well as social clubs and camps. As a service to the community at large, the association offers disability awareness programs that educate groups including schools about living with a variety of disabilities.