- May 9, 2024
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Anna Filannino, family manager for Volusia County, with former student Katherine McCante. She didn't see her again until she became a swimming coach in 2012 and she was 23. Photo courtesy of Anna Filannino
Dan Barnes, head basketball coach, Joey Green and Judge Bryan Feigenbaum, representing the Beck Family. Photo courtesy of Anna Filannino
Irene Hubert presenting the George Hubert Memorial Trophy of Excellence in Soccer to athlete Kelly Caven. Photo courtesy of Anna Filannino
Joey Green poses with his trophy. Photo courtesy of Anna Filannino
It was a memorable day as more than 300 Special Olympics athletes, coaches and volunteers came together Dec. 2, at the Epiphany Church in Port Orange, for a holiday party.
The event honored David Beck and George Hubert, two Special Olympics coaches who contributed more than 20 years to helping athletes. Awards in their names were given to athletes who served their community and exemplified outstanding character.
The David Beck trophy was awarded to Joey Green, and the George Hubert Memorial Trophy award was given to Kelly Caven.
According to Special Olympics Florida Director Denise Breneman, this event is one of two held each year to bring together the athletes and their families with the volunteers. Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of Hope along with the Knights from Epiphany were present as volunteers.
"It was a very great day," Breneman said.
The event started six years ago when a former district manager asked Anna Filannino, the family manager for Volusia County and a Special Olympics coach, if there was a way to bring families together.
"I said we have to have a day where they can rejoice and get together with friends and laugh and not worry about the daily battles they face," Filannnino said. "A lot of them have many illnesses. They need a time to celebrate."
Filannino, who was a special needs teacher for 44 years, came up with the idea for a holiday party. There are now 52 businesses that sponsor the event, which is free to the attendees. Even her sorority helps with the party. According to Filannino, many of the athletes would normally not be able to afford to go to an event like this.
"It was really joyous celebration," Filannino said.
