2018 Annual Special Needs Sports Kick Off Dinner

We held our Annual Special Needs Sports Kick Off Dinner at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center on March 8th.

Everyone commented on how this Kick Off Dinner was one of the best ever with the theme “Unmask the Possibilities”! The room was beautifully lit with decorations to fit the theme creating a lot of excitement.

Angi Bugg, President of FTEA gave a message from Friends of Torrance Exceptional Athletes.

Athlete Hall of Fame Induction

Phil Duthie, Program Coordinator, presented the Athlete Hall of Fame Awards.

List of 2018 Athlete Hall of Fame Inductees

David Adams
Elena Ashmore
Faith Demos
Alan Fry, Jr.
Janet Guibor
Jake MacMurdo
Jason Martinez

Richard and Mary Ann Fick Lifetime Volunteer Award

Recognition of Athletes

Mayor Pat Furey and Councilwoman Heidi Ann Ashcraft recognizing the Special Needs Athletes – pictured Sage Nieto

Mayor Pat Furey and Councilwoman Heidi Ann Ashcraft recognizing the Special Needs Athletes – pictured Alex Good

Tribute to Phil Duthie, retiring Program Director

During the evening there were several moving tributes to Phil Duthie our retiring Program Director. Most notable were 2 wonderful speeches given by athletes AJ Fry and Jennifer Bleidestel.

Athlete, Jennifer Bleidestel honoring Phil Duthie, Program-Coordinator on his Retirement

FTEA President, Angi Bugg honoring Phil Duthie, Program-Coordinator on his Retirement

Friend and Soccer Coach Eamonn Roche with Phil Duthie, retiring Program-Coordinator

Friends of Torrance Special Needs Athletes and Coaches with retiring Program Director Phil Duthie

Many Thanks!

To our wonderful Special Needs Sports Coaches:

Lee Altenes
Linda Barker
Dave Barro
Steve Cooper
Jill Craven Wilke
Karen Geyer
Matt Louis
Michael Louis
Frank Nieto
Irene Pierce
Tim Pierce
Eamonn Roche
Sean Roche
Jim Tuliglowski
Barbara Zelin