Rain or Shine, the Kiwanis Club of Immokalee held a very special ceremony for the Athletes of Special Olympics and the students of Project UNIFY. This special occasion was set up and put together by members of the Kiwanis Club of Immokalee, Mrs. Kelly Stevenson-Crews, teacher/sponsor of Special Olympics Immokalee and District members of Special Olympics SWFL. Together they worked on an event that would honor the school’s Special Olympics athletes and Project unify partners. On June 6, 2016 at the Immokalee I-Tech close to one hundred close friends, family and student athletes, enjoyed a night of remembering their accomplishments of the past year. Along with the musical vocals of the one and only Mr. Manny Touron. Club President-Danny Campos welcomed everyone to the ceremony and lead them with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America.” Director of Young Life Collier- Ariza Reyes led the invocation to bless the night. Mrs. Kelly Stevenson-Crews handed out certificates, plaques and trophies with the help of Mrs. Flor Carranza and Danny Campos. All present enjoyed the night of celebration with a great slide show of the year’s events, an inspirational essay by Tajha, one of the athletes and delicious food prepared by El Taquito #1 and Young Life Collier. The amazing cake was prepared by local baker Mr. Ismael Perez. And IHS Key club helped serve all in attendance. Special Olympics Director: David McKenzie said this was by far the best ceremony that Special Olympics has had in the County and the entire State! He also mentioned that Immokalee High School’s Special Olympics and Project Unify has always been the trend setter in the county. The following awards and recognitions were presented to our Special Olympics athletes and project unify partners for the 2015-2016 school year. Most Inspirational Partner from Project UNIFY Juan-Carlos Jaimes Most Inspirational Athlete Alberto Bonilla Most Improved Athlete Michael Temaj Coach of the Year Davarius Johnson 3 Year Varsity Project Unify 2015-2016 Alberto Bonilla, Andres Domingo Pedro, Katrina Jackson, Lyns Emetil, Michael Temaj, Lheilha Plantin, Billy Jules, Steven Villarreal, Francisco Diego, Johnathon Vinton FHSAA State Basketball 3rd Place Andres Domingo-Pedro, Michael Temaj, Lyns Emetil, Alberto Bonilla, Alex Mateo, Juan Carlos Jaimes, Antonio Jaimes, Damian Gonzalez Special Olympics State Summer Games 2nd Place - Silver Medalists Michael Temaj, Steven Villarreal, Juan Carlos Jaimes, Antonio Jaimes, Ben Lucio, Osbaldo Vasquez, Hector Ramirez The Kiwanis Club of Immokalee would like to give a very BIG “Thank you” to the following for their contribution for such an amazing Awards Banquet. On behalf of the club and Athletes of Special Olympics “Thank you” B-Hive Flowers, Manny Touron, Young Life Collier, Fiesta Tents, Inc., I-Tech of Immokalee, El Taquito #1, Ismael Perez, Immokalee High School Key Club There’s something about athlete Francisco “Kiko” Diego, right, that just makes you smile. He and many other Immokalee athletes were recognized for their amazing efforts and accomplishments recently. (Submitted photos/Sandra Jaimes)[/caption]