Miami, FL – September 23, 2017 – With 500 elite guests celebrating Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s legacy, guests joined event chairs Angela and Louis Birdman and co-chairs Ruth and Alan Zelcer for the 5th Annual Special Olympics Athlete Awards Gala presented by Mass Mutual Miami.. Emmy Award-Winning ABC News Anchor Laurie Jennings and ABC Sports Director Will Manso marked as the co-hosts of the fete. The evening began with a surprise performance by eight-time GRAMMY Award Winner Stephen Marley along with reggae artist Bugga who performed onstage to commence the evening, as well as a finale performance by GRAMMY Award Winning Pop/R&B artist and style icon, Jody Watley. 2017 Athlete Awards Platinum Sponsor RSM provided a generous dollar for dollar match on all donations raised the evening of the event. A fun and feel good evening, the event was a huge success bringing in nearly $300,000 to Special Olympics Miami Dade. The 2017 Athlete Awards provided an opportunity for Special Olympics Florida to recognize their most incredible athletes, coaches, volunteers and community partners in Miami-Dade County, while raising awareness and funds for their county program that serves over 6,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. VIP Special Guests included Olympic sailor Magnus Liljedahl, NBA player Mark Strickland and actor producer Vincent De Paul. Guests of this year’s black-tie event enjoyed premium cocktails and wines sponsored by Bacardi and Don Bernardino Wines, Eagle Brands, Fashion Vodka and Prosseco, a three- course gourmet dinner, and live entertainment throughout the evening provided by UM Frost School of Music. Platinum Sponsors included: Apure, RSM, Plaza Construction; Gold Sponsors: Kaufman Rossin, Power Design, Inc. and the David L. Singer Memorial Foundation.