(April 6, 2005) Washington, D.C. - Representatives of Special Olympics, including Bellflower athlete Dustin Plunkett, thanked Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard for her ongoing support of federal funding for the organization. Special Olympics serves 1.7 million athletes with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries worldwide.
The trio pictured in the front row from left to right: Special Olympics Athlete Dustin Plunkett of Bellflower; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; and Special Olympics Athlete Timothy Redmond II of Fullerton, CA. Standing in the back row from left to right: Michael Delzotti, Vice President-Development & Marketing, Special Olympics Southern California (Los Angeles); Jim Schmutz, Managing Director, Special Olympics North America (Washington D. C.); Mrs. Karren McClenahan (wife of Patrick McClenahan); Patrick McClenahan, Chairman, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Southern California (Los Angeles); and Timothy Redmond, Sr. of Fullerton, Special Olympics Southern California Board of Directors and parent of the pictured athlete.
A Bellflower resident and constituent of the congresswoman's 34th Congressional District, Dustin Plunkett is widely known as a man of many talents. Dustin competes in speed skating, snowboarding, bocce, golf and basketball. As part of the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program, Dustin serves as a member to the Special Olympics Southern California Board of Directors and on his local area committee. He also enjoys coaching many of his fellow athletes. When Dustin is not busy with all these activities, you can find him in the City of Lakewood, where he works part-time as a recreation assistant.
Special Olympics Athlete Timothy Redmond II is also a man who plays many sports. In March, he competed in Alpine skiing in the Special Olympics Southern California Winter Games. In the 2004 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games, Timothy competed in tennis in the single's competition.