Nathanial Wells, Kaylee Arthurs win Gene Jasper Award

Two Tuscarawas County Special Olympics athletes were recognized this year for the Gene Jasper Athlete of the Year at their annual banquet held recently at Dutch Valley restaurant in Sugarcreek.

“In the past we've just done one, but as I was thinking upon it this year, I thought we need to recognize a couple of people because both deserve it so much,” said Richelle Lefler, Tuscarawas County Special Olympics coordinator.

Winners of the award were Nathanial Wells and Kaylee Arthurs. Lefler had good things to say about each recipient.

“You guys ever just met somebody that walks in a room and you smile? They don't even have to say anything. They just walk in; you immediately smile because you know that they're going to bring such joy to the room,” Lefler said of Wells.

Wells began Special Olympics in bowling, traveled to Las Vegas to bowl and earned a bronze medal. He also participated in basketball and power lifting. Lefler appreciates the passion and enthusiasm Wells shows in whatever he does.

“What Nathaniel brings to the Rockets isn't just a skill. It's his whole personality, his sportsmanship, his enthusiasm, his approach, the way he listens to his mom when she says, ‘Don't hot dog 'til after it's done,’” Lefler said. “He's also a gold medalist in multiple sports.”

When traveling to events, Wells makes every trip fun.

“I want to thank you very much for honoring me. You are the best, guys,” Wells said as he also thanked his mother and others.

Both Wells and Arthurs received a glass trophy that lights up in different colors.

“As much enthusiasm as Nathanial brings to the room, this Female Athlete of the Year brings determination,” Lefler said. “When I started as coordinator, I met her mom first, and her mom told me, ‘Don’t focus on what she can't do. Focus on what she can do.’ That’s the kind of heart that I’ve always embodied, so I was determined to do that.”

Arthurs has tried a variety of sports over the years including basketball, cheerleading, bowling, track and field, and power lifting.

“Never once have I seen this athlete quit. Never once have I seen this athlete make an excuse as to why she couldn't lift a higher weight, why she couldn't run a second faster or why she couldn't learn a dance routine,” Lefler said. “She's been brought up to focus on what she can do. She inspires all of us to think that way as well. Whether she's winning fifth place or first, she gives no less effort, whether she's in the lead or in the back, no less effort, always determined.”

At a competition in Medina, Arthurs cleared a 100-pound deadlift, which is about equal to her own weight.

“She had the biggest smile on her face when she got that bar up, and she held it longer than even the judge told her to,” Lefler said.

“Thank you. I want to thank you for my family. I want to thank you for my friends. I want to thank you for everyone. Thank you so much. I appreciate it,” Arthurs said.

Other award winners included the following:

—The Above and Beyond Award: Angie Hall and Matthew Toole Sr.

—The Dream Big Award: Julie Erwin and Aiden McClain.

—Heart of a Champion Award: Chelsea Lefler, Eric Lingo and Matthew Medley.

—Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Award: Rebekah Rothel and Matthew Toole Jr.

—The Brave in the Attempt Award: Joey Fulton and Anna Randolph.

—The Special Olympics Ohio and Big 12 Athlete of the Year ring presentation was made to Matthew Medley.

—2023 Summer Games Torch Bearer Trophy: Craig Gordon.

—Chuck Kuntzman Coaches of the Year: Coney and Dana DiGenova.

—The Frittz McGinnis Strength and Bravery Award: Austin McGinnis.

—The Rising Star Award: Addilyn Miller and Kody Miller.

—The Upcoming Leader Award: Dolly Alsept and Coco Miller.

—The Overcoming Adversity Award: Robert Easlick, Allison Halsey and Jordan Miller.

—The Revolution Is Inclusion Award: Nate Kamban and Ryder Margo.

Star trophies were given to the winners of the Summer Games 2023 and Winter Games 2024.

Summer Games included Arthurs, Heather Baker, Kasey Basiletti, Allison Halsey, Chelsea Lefler, Aaron Scott, Jessica Seevers, Tory Seevers, Lonnie Thornton, Matthew Toole Jr., Emma Ward, Brian Wedlake, Chris Wernert and Kershel Zehnder.

Winter Games included Dolly Alsept, Arthurs, Heather Baker, Emily Erwin, Lexi Lacheta, Chelsea Lefler, Chris McDade, Coco Miller, Ember Miller, Alexis Partridge, Rebekah Rothel, Jessica Seevers, Tory Seevers, Stacey Shroyer and Emma Ward.

A number of area individuals and businesses were honored with Community Partner Awards including The Bargain Hunter.

The guest speaker at the event was Bobby Reidl, the athletic leader chair of the Ohio Athlete Leadership Council and a Special Olympics Ohio board member, who shared his story.

A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the event in memory of athlete Shane York and coaches Chuck Kuntzman and Frittz McGinnis.

“There was a lot of love, laughter and joy present,” Lefler said.