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Dedicated volunteerism
Johnson recognized for work as Special Olympics coach
By KEVIN FRYLING
Reporter Contributor
Don Johnson was surprised when he learned that more than a decade of dedicated volunteerism had won him a well-known award in public service. No one told him he had been nominated.
Don Johnson of University Facilities has received the Jefferson Award for Public Service for his dedication as a Special Olympics coach.
PHOTO: NANCY J. PARISI
Johnson, a cleaner with University Facilities who works in Alumni Arena on the North Campus, received the Jefferson Award for Public Service in recognition of his work as a Special Olympics coach in Erie County. It is a role he has been dedicated to since 1992.
The Jefferson Award was created more than 30 years ago to honor local and national "unsung heroes" who perform remarkable community service with little recognition. Johnson received the award at a reception on April 5.
"It's an honor," he says about receiving the award, but adds, "It puts you in the limelight. I'd rather fly under the radar. It's the athletes that make the Special Olympics."
A proud father of three, Johnson became involved with the Special Olympics soon after his second son was born with Downs Syndrome. Eric competed in his first Special Olympics at age 6, Johnson says, and when the coach had to move on, Johnson decided to make the leap from parent volunteer to head coach rather than see the program disappear. It was his predecessor, Mary Ann McClennan, who nominated him for the award.
Today, there are more opportunities for students with disabilities to take part in sports and activities through school, he says, but notes the Amherst area training club, where he coaches, continues to serve an important niche because it admits special athletes over the age of 21.
Just because athletes finish school doesn't mean training ceases as an important part of their lives, Johnson says. It's a place to meet friends and remain active. "It's socialization," he says. "I see people that sit there and veg in front of a television. You don't need to do that. You need to get out there; to do something."
"One time, my oldest athlete was 67," he said. "She ran the 100 meters."
The Amherst club acts as an important communication hub for parents of individuals with disabilities, Johnson adds.
"I found out as a parent that you weren't aware of what is out there until you start meeting people. It's word of mouth. You want to get the athletes and parents to see what's out there."
Johnson says parents learn through Special Olympics of other sports opportunities available to special athletes—like an equestrian program in Wyoming County—as well as get news about other organizations that provide education and social opportunities, such as trips to sports and cultural events, dances and dinners.
Johnson dedicates two evenings a week to coaching, in addition to the time spent during weekends at area competitions. For the past four years, his athletes have met to train at Sweet Home High School in Amherst, and one year UB volunteered its old stadium to the athletes.
The sports Johnson coaches—basketball, softball and track and field—run on a tight schedule that leave him just one month a year without practices.
Johnson cites assistant coaches Ron and Joyce Drzewiecki as two individuals whose support is crucial to him. The couple eases the burden of paperwork, which allows him to devote more time to the athletes, he says.
It is important that volunteers retain their enthusiasm, he points out. "You have to want to be there. You never want it to become a job."
He returns to coach year after year because of the athletes. "It's the interaction you have with the athletes," he says. He looks forward to talking and joking with them at practices. "It's fun. It's not a job. We're out there to have a good time."
He jokes that his wife, Carol, tells him coaching also is a way to keep him busy now that two of their children are out of the house. Johnson's oldest son is a physical education teacher in Rochester and his daughter, a recent graduate of Oswego State College, is a substitute teacher in the area. Eric has a job at a local retailer.
The Special Olympics' motto—"Let Me Win. But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt"—holds true for life, as well as sports, says Johnson. "You might win, you might fail; but go out there anyway. That's all I ever want from my athletes on the field or in life. You will be surprised what you can do if you try," he says.
"If there's a chance to support the Special Olympics, it's very worthwhile. What I see in an athlete's face after a race—win or not win—that's worth it in itself. That's all the payment I ever need.
"I could do this forever."