HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Tampa Bay area man has been named Special Olympics Florida Athlete of the Year.
Chris McDarby of Hillsborough County received his award at the Special Olympics Florida's Champions Gala.
The 38-year-old competitor has been a part of the organization since 1995, competing in track and field, bowling, golf, tennis and other sports.
“Chris is a spectacular ambassador of the Special Olympics mission,” Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said in a statement. “He lives every day with courage and determination. He lifts up the people around him and sets an inspiring example for all of us. He is profoundly deserving of this honor.”
This isn't McDarby's first crowning achievement in the Special Olympics Florida Games. In 2010, McDarby received the Zenay Morales Courage Award.
Additionally, in 2014, he competed at the Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, excelling in golf. Earlier this year, he also received the Todd Falanga Inspirational Athlete of the Year award from Tennis for Fun.
McDarby also has a passion for art, with artwork featured at the Gasparilla Art Festival and Tampa International Airport. His work earned him recognition as the "Emerging Artist of the Year" by the MacDonald Training Center.
The special olympics athlete has also volunteered at a local day program, served as an usher at church and is a Special Olympics Global Messenger.
"His community involvement is equally impressive," Special Olympics Florida said in a statement.
“The Special Olympics Florida mission is an important part of my life,” McDarby said in a statement. “Together we are showing the world that Special Olympics Florida athletes have many talents and make the world a better place.”
