2017 Spirit of Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year

Special Olympics Indiana is pleased to announce that Cody Harris, from Grant County, is our 2017 Spirit of Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year.

A longtime volunteer, coach, and Grant County Coordinator, Cody tragically and unexpectedly passed away in February, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, compassion, and devotion.

Cody was a dedicated friend, family man, and active member of his church, but for the last 17 years, no cause was dearer to him than Special Olympics. He routinely committed more than 20 hours each week in service of Special Olympics athletes in Grant County and throughout Area 6, and was involved in every aspect of preparing for and running local events.

As a volunteer, Cody led by example and worked tirelessly to ensure the success and sustainability of Special Olympics in Grant County. The program’s major annual basketball and flag football competitions were developed and strengthened under his leadership as Tournament Director, and are now among the premier Special Olympics events in Indiana. He recruited and trained countless fellow volunteers over the years, and was involved in the coaching or administration of sports including basketball, bowling, corn toss, cheerleading, softball, swimming, track & field, and volleyball.

But in spite of his tremendous accomplishments as an administrator, there can be no question that Cody was at his best when working directly with the athletes. He was extremely well-liked by all who had the good fortune to know him, and was a strong mentor to many. He treated every athlete as a person first and a competitor second, and always took time to chat with them and help in any way he could.

Above all else, Cody always put the athletes first, which is the true mark of an outstanding volunteer. Nominated for this award with heavy hearts by the Grant County management team, Cody will be remembered for his outstanding commitment to furthering the mission of Special Olympics in his community, and for a life well-lived.