Olympic medalist honors first Special Olympics of Utah University graduates

Bill Schuffenhauer (left) Olympian, celebrating the successes of Special Olympians like Park City's C.J. Haerter (3rd from left). Photo: courtesy of Special Olympics of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Bill Schuffenhaur, three-time Olympian who won a silver medal in the 4-man bobsled at the Salt Lake City 2002 Games, was the keynote speaker at the inaugural graduation ceremony for the Special Olympics of Utah (SOUT) University on Monday.

The event was held at the Zion’s Bank Headquarters in Salt Lake City where families of approximately 13 graduates enjoyed a dinner together.

This was the first year for the new program of SOUT University which serves its population of post-high school athletes, some of whom hail from Park City. 

Athletes were awarded an administratively internal Degree of Accomplishment for their efforts. 

Beyond sport, the program provides life skills events for its students, for example, in the Spring they hosted a summit to teach Special Olympians about the ins and outs of navigating specific urban transportation options in an effort to promote independence. 

Athletes came from the Park City Mountaineers Club as well as the Heber City Howlers Special Olympics Club joining others from all around Northern Utah communities.

Next, on Oct. 2, they’re putting on a Job Panel at Mountain American Credit Union.