Sept. 18, 2018 – The United States Olympic Committee today announced the recipients of six annual awards, which will be presented at a celebratory dinner during the 2018 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Assembly that begins Thursday, Sept. 20 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Friday awards dinner will conclude the Assembly, and feature Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as the keynote speaker and Olympic ice dance medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani as hosts.
The late Michael Stephens, founder of Lakeshore Foundation, was named the Olympic Torch Award honoree. He was one of the first to incorporate competitive physical activity in the rehabilitation process, believing that an active life should be attainable for every individual. In 2003, Lakeshore Foundation was officially designated a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and has since produced 54 Paralympic athletes, coaches and staff members. Stephens also served as a member of the USOC’s CEO Leadership Council and as an honorary team captain at the Paralympic Games Athens 2004.
In addition to his contribution to the Paralympic Movement, Stephens pioneered opportunities for countless individuals with physical disabilities to pursue fitness, recreation and competitive sport in a community setting. In July 2017, Stephens passed away, but his legacy and ideals live on in everything that we do. He will forever be remembered as a true champion of the human spirit.
