Books named Special Olympics Parents of the Year for Arkansas

Theresa and Mike Book, of Piggott, accept the 2010 Arkansas Special Olympics Parents of the Year Award from state executive director Bobby Doyle. The presentation was made in June at the state Special Olympics meet at Searcy.

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The couple received the recognition at the state Special Olympics games in Searcy in June.

"Mike and Theresa have been very supportive throughout the many years they've been helping with the Special Olympics," noted Vonnie Greer, director of Area One Special Olympics. "They've become certified as coaches in many areas, including bowling, basketball, swimming, floor hockey and track and field just to name a few."

Greer said the Books have spent a great deal of their time taking athletes to sports camps in the summer, for a full week of training and competition. "They also help with training coaches and in fundraising events to help support the program," she added.

The Books also organize and facilitate the Area One Special Olympics Basketball Competition held each February at Piggott High School.

"Mike and Theresa are enthusiastic and caring people who have gone the extra mile for not only their own children, but for others in the community," Greer observed. "Their compassion and care is genuine, and it shows! That's what makes them the parents of the year, and we are lucky to have them in our area."

The Books, along with their daughter Savannah and son Addison, reside in Piggott.