Q&A: Special Olympics Annual Sponsor An Athlete 2016 Awards Dinner at JW Marriott Marquis

Photography by Alejandro Chavarria on September 30th, 2016 in Celebrity, Editorials, Lifestyle

Elle Macpherson

Miami, FL – September 24, 2016 – It was a night to remember as the Special Olympics of Miami-Dade County held its 4th Annual Sponsor an Athlete Awards Gala Presented by MassMutual Miami at the JW Marriott Marquis. The event was co-hosted by three-time Emmy™ Award Winning ABC (WPLG) news anchor Laurie Jennings and Miami Heat Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson. The Sponsor an Athlete Awards Gala celebrates Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day by providing an opportunity for Special Olympics Florida-Miami Dade County to recognize their most deserving Athletes, Coaches, Volunteers and Community Partners in Miami-Dade County while raising awareness and funds for their county program that serves over 5,400 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by live entertainment with the sounds from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. Guests also enjoyed music from a jazz group, a brass quintet and a string duo who performed throughout the cocktail reception and dinner. The gala also featured a live and silent auction with items including Carnival 7-Day Cruise to destination of choice and a Dwyane Wade Miami Heat signed collector’s jersey, to name a few. Award Presenters for the evening included Elle Macpherson, Mark Strickland, Vincent De Paul, Dr. Pascal Goldschmidt and Rocky Johnson.

World Red Eye was able to catch up with super model Elle Macpherson before the big night, who gave us a deeper look into her involvement with the Special Olympics of Miami-Dade County and why it means so much to her.

Elle Macpherson

I remember being in awe of the athletes; their courage, determination, community and caring. I also was really impressed by the families, coaches and volunteers supporting the athletes. The Special Olympics is truly a remarkable family.

Elle Macpherson

Vincent De Paul & Elle Macpherson

WRE: When did you first become involved in the Special Olympics?

EM: I have had a long association with the Shriver family and I have great respect for their philanthropic work. I first became evolved with the special Olympics in 1995 when I attended the opening of the Special Olympic World Games in Connecticut with the Shriver family and President Bill Clinton. I remember being in awe of the athletes; their courage, determination, community and caring. I also was really impressed by the families, coaches and volunteers supporting the athletes. The Special Olympics is truly a remarkable family.

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WRE: What is your role within the Florida Special Olympics?

EM: I am presenting the award tonight to the 2016 HALL OF FAME Inductee tonight, Dr. Hope Jacobson.

WRE: What do you love most about being involved in the organization?

EM: What I love most is the joy on the faces of the athletes when they succeed and the wonderful people who support them every single day.

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WRE: What message would you like to convey to the children and adults participating in this athletic program?

EM: Don’t give up! Have faith in yourself. One day you will look back at how far you have come and what you have achieved and realized how amazing you are.

WRE: What opportunities do Special Olympics athletes gain from training and competing in the year-round sports?

EM: They become more disciplined and self confident when participating in regular sport. Those characteristics will take them far in their every day lives. Plus, they gain life long friendships.

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WRE: What can people do more of to spread the word about the organization?

EM: Come out and cheer them on with your friends and family. Get involved and don’t be shy about posting pictures of all the fun you had on social media. Share the excitement.