Meet Roger Uber, Special Olympics Maryland (USA) volunteer and athlete
Roger Uber, Special Olympics Maryland (USA) athlete and volunteer, was selected as one of the winners of a special judging of the Daily Point of Light Award, honored 27 April 2006 during National Volunteer Week, 23- 29 April. < Click here to read Uber's profile on the Point of Light Web site > The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award.
"I have worked with Roger a great deal and find it very exciting that he is being recognized on a national scale," said Melissa Hicks, Director, Sports Development for Special Olympics Maryland (USA). "Roger epitomizes all of the good that can be found in anyone. His story, in short, is one of selflessness, inspiration, genuine care and concern for others and inexhaustible kind heartedness. The giving spirit of this gentle giant softens the edges of our rough and tumble world. I wish [everyone] had the opportunity to meet and work with this extraordinary man who touches lives so effortlessly."
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Friends and colleagues of Uber report that it is as if he has never met a stranger. He literally loves his neighbor, is always giving of himself, and encourages others toward success. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Volunteer Week is about thanking one of America's most valuable assets — its volunteers — and calling the public's attention to all that they do to improve our communities. [Photo courtesy Special Olympics Maryland] |
Uber was selected as a result of his dedicated volunteer work with Special Olympics Maryland and other activities that include the Appalachian Parent Association (as an individual with intellectual disabilities, Roger has been a client with Appalachian Parent Association-Appalachian Crossroads since 1988 and currently serves as a Board member) and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is also a member of the Boy Scouts of America and volunteers as a “Lunch Buddy,” with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, having lunch with a young boy at the grade school weekly. Active with People First, a local advocacy group, Uber helped raise money in 2005 for Relay For Life — Garrett County Hospice. In 2004, he was nominated for Garrett County's Most Beautiful Person award for his volunteer work.
His volunteer spirit was summed up by Charla Beiler, Special Olympics Maryland-Garrett County Director, who said, "Roger lives to help others. Our lives would have a great void without him."
Uber serves in many roles as the official host of the Special Olympics Maryland Winter Games in Garrett County. During the most recent Winter Games, he served as the athlete representative for the Games Evaluation Team, as an official at the cross country skiing and snowshoeing venues, a speaker at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and filled in at the awards ceremony as a general volunteer.
Uber also competes with Special Olympics Maryland and hopes to represent his native Garrett County in the bocce competition at the Special Olympics Maryland State Summer Games.
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