Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) and Board of Directors formally honors community partners Tuesday, Feb. 26 for awards received at the 2019 Illinois Park and Recreation Association Conference which was held January 24-26.
Many of these award recipients, and their respective organizations, provide invaluable service and support to FVSRA and the special needs community. FVSRA participant Susu Ali was honored for her dedication to health and wellness and keeping such a positive attitude when being challenged with so many obstacles in life. Jackie Salemi was honored as the professional of the year among her peers in therapeutic recreation. The Association for Individual Development (AID), Aurora University Therapeutic Receation Program, DayOne Pact Parent Support Project, and Dick Pond Athletics, were recognized for the contributions to the community. Dick Pond Athletics received many awards for the unique Walk to Run and Progressive Marathon; FVSRA participants accumulated 25 miles of running and completed the final 1.2 miles along with other marathoners!
“We are so thankful to all of individuals and their organizations for the contributions they make to help support our mission in enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities,” stated FVSRA superintendent of recreation, Alex Engelhardt.
Award recipients included:
• Sansabeel “Susu” Ali, FVSRA participant: 2019 Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Conference Therapeutic Recreation Section – A Tribute to our Participants Award;
• Jackie Salemi, FVSRA inclusion manager: 2018 IPRA Therapeutic Recreation Section Professional of the Year;
• Association for Individual Development: IPRA and IAPD Community Service Award;
• Aurora University Therapeutic Recreation Program: IPRA and IAPD Community Service Award;
• DayOne Pact Parent Support Project: IPRA and IAPD Community Service Award;
• Dick Pond Athletics: IPRA and Illinois Association of Park District (IAPD): Outstanding Program or Special Event Award: Division 1; 2018 IPRA Therapeutic Recreation
Section: Excellence in Service Award; and IPRA and IAPD Community Service Award.
— Fox Valley Special Recreation Association