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Special Olympians MichiganEldredge Teams Up with Donny VanderWaals April 7, 2003
As VanderWaals took his seat after completing his remarks, he greeted six-time U.S. Men's Figure Skating Champion Todd Eldredge with an enthusiastic high-five. Eldredge, a fellow Michigan resident, appears alongside VanderWaals on the special edition cereal box. Marcy Lindberg, public relations director for Special Olympics Michigan, explained how the teaming of the two athletes was fitting. Lindberg noted the parallel between the Special Olympians, who continually overcome challenges in pursuit of their goals, and Eldredge, who overcame obstacles throughout his own athletic career. Lindberg commended the positive attitude displayed by both Eldredge and Special Olympians. She also pointed out that Eldredge's involvement with the organization brings publicity. She hopes the public who have followed his career will want to learn more about the Special Olympics and its programs, and ultimately become actively involved in them. Jackie, 23, is a longtime skater, and a fan of Eldredge. She coaches a young skater who hopes to compete in the Special Olympics one day. Of Eldredge's work with the Special Olympics to help promote its programs, she exclaimed, "I think it's great!" For Eldredge, the experience is a rewarding one. He became involved in the organization in 2000, when he received a call requesting his appearance in a send-off skating show for athletes competing in the Special Olympics World Games that year. Eldredge not only agreed to the appearance, but has remained supportive of the organization. In this event, Eldredge performed a brief skating demonstration to a grateful audience, then skated with several Special Olympics athletes. When asked what he finds inspiring about VanderWaals and all Special Olympians, Eldredge related that regardless of their own obstacles or what is going on in the world around them, Special Olympians are able to enjoy each moment and make the most of it. "It doesn't matter if they fall, they get right back up," he said. He also noted with admiration that Special Olympians look to the horizon, envisioning what they can achieve, rather than dwelling on a fall or disappointment. For his part, VanderWaals is enjoying his slice of stardom via his cereal box cover. He is thriving on the attention and greets everyone he meets with a cheerful, "Hi, my name is Donny!" His infectious enthusiasm wins fast friends. When an out-of-towner suggested that VanderWaals (sporting a Michigan State jacket) might want to check into Ohio State fandom, he reacted with amused laughter. Near the conclusion of the event, Eldredge was asked what his favorite cereal actually is. Pointing to the box of Frosted Flakes that features him, Eldredge responded, "That one." When the media collectively laughed, Eldredge, realizing he was thought to be joking, replied, "No, really... you can ask my coach!" |
Speaking
before friends, family, media, and fellow Special Olympians, Donny VanderWaals
concluded his speech to appreciative applause. VanderWaals, 16, is the
2003 Special Olympics Michigan Inspirational Athlete of the Year. He appeared
at the Rink in Battle Creek on April 2, 2003, to promote the unveiling
of the Special Olympics Michigan-themed box of Kellogg's Frosted
Flakes bearing his image. 
He
also addressed the audience, saying, "It's an honor to be
here helping with the Special Olympics." He added that appearing
on the special edition cereal box with VanderWaals is "a real honor,
it's fantastic." Eldredge spoke about the Special Olympics
athletes, who he called "tremendous", adding that appearing
on a cereal box is something an athlete dreams about. He later signed
autographs and posed for pictures with those in attendance.