Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, director of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, attended a holiday dinner at the White House to celebrate the work of Special Olympics.
The event, held Dec. 10, was designed to recognize the organization’s work toward fighting intolerance and promoting inclusion.
The organization provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, advocacy and health assessment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics International’s global presence makes programs and sports activities available to more than 5 million children and adults across more than 200 countries.
Also in attendance was Wyatt Spalding, a fellow Nebraskan and a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger with the organization. Spalding has competed in basketball and tennis through Special Olympics and last year was inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame.
In addition to Nebraska, attendees came from Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, Brazil and Great Britain.
Recognition of Special Olympics at such a high level, especially during the holiday season, is an honor, Dr. Mirnics said.
“It’s about caring for the fellow human being,” he said. “We greatly appreciate the recognition of how many American families are impacted and the important role that Special Olympics plays.”
Dr. Mirnics sits on the board of directors for Special Olympics International and serves as chair of the organization’s global medical advisory committee.
Through his work with the organization and with MMI, Dr. Mirnics said, Nebraska has shown dedication to families of children with developmental disabilities. Support from Gov. Jim Pillen, Congressman Don Bacon and state senators over the years show what an important role Nebraska plays in this global movement, he added.
Being recognized on a national level for moving the humanitarian mission forward “gives you energy to do more, to do it better and get even more involved,” Dr. Mirnics said.
Coming during the holidays is special, too.
“These are the things you celebrate,” he said. “Special Olympics is a big, big family working to change the world for the better.”
Congratulations! You bring great honor to our medical center.
With fondest regards…….
Well deserved recognition for outstanding service to community! Congratulations!
No better organization than Special Olympics to represent inclusion during a season of joy! So glad Dr. Mirnics and Wyatt could participate.
Wow!!! Dinner at the White House. What a special honor and recognition for you, your fellow attendees and Special Olympics. Congratulations to all of you!!!! Special Olympics is a great organization with awesome competitive athletes.
Congratulations for your amazing involvement in such a wonderful cause!
Congratulations to you, and well deserved.
Congratulations! Awesome work in Nebraska and across the world!
U da’ man, Karoly!
Congratulations, Karoly! This is a well-deserved recognition of your work with Special Olympics. Your commitment to this and other efforts, across your career and especially while at UNMC as director of MMI, is part of what makes you such an inspiring leader. It is a privilege to work with you.
Congratulations, Dr. Mirnics! Well-deserved recognition!
Congratulations, Karoly! Well-deserved recognition for all of your work, advocacy, and leadership.
Congratulations, Dr. Mirnics! What an exciting event to attend. Thank you for representing Special Olympics and UNMC.
Congratulations Dr. Mirnics!