KU Athletics worker honored as most inspirational athlete

By Shaun Hittle Mar 21, 2010

Kevin Anderson

Todd Williams of Lawrence was selected as the most inspirational athlete Friday night during the Special Olympics State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Hays. Five teams from Douglas County competed in the basketball event.

Local Special Olympian Todd “Leaper” Williams took home a gold medal for basketball Saturday at the State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Hays.

But Williams also received an honor that meant more to him than his accomplishments on the court.

Williams was named the Kansas Special Olympics 2010 Most Inspirational Athlete in front of a packed gym at Hays High School on Friday night.

“It really has not sunk in yet,” an emotional Williams said moments after receiving the award, given in honor of Lawrence Special Olympian Gary Samuels, who died in 1989.

Williams, who works for the Kansas University athletic department, has been involved in Special Olympics for four decades.

He’s one of the more well-known Special Olympic athletes in Kansas, said local director John Samuels.

John Samuels said Williams’ dedication to his team and Special Olympics made him a perfect choice for the award.

Thanking and hugging teammates after the ceremony, Williams said it was “a really good moment.”