Hall of Fame

Greg Nolt is the 22nd member of the SODE Hall of Fame. (Photo: Brenda Zullo)

The Special Olympics Delaware Hall of Fame is comprised of athletes and volunteers who have made a significant impact on the organization over an extended period of time.

Members are inducted at the annual Night of Heroes and become a permanent part of the legacy of the organization.

2011 Hall of Fame inductee: Greg Nolt

Greg Nolt’s involvement in Special Olympics spans 25 years, beginning in 1987 when he ran his first Torch Run as an officer of the Milford Police Department. Since then, his service has included serving as an integral part of all Law Enforcement for Special Olympics activities, including as chairperson of the annual Delaware State Troopers Association Golf Tournament for Special Olympics.

“As the Torch Run movement has grown, so has the great significance of Greg’s many contributions and outstanding efforts to grow that movement,” says John Miller, state director of Law Enforcement for Special Olympics. “He is all that we can hope for in a Torch Run volunteer – hardworking, team player, leader, communicator, motivator, humble servant, Torch Run diplomat, and champion of all that is Special Olympics Delaware.”

Greg also participated as a Unified Partner on the Landsharks team, a Sussex County-based program on which his brother, Barry, was a member until his recent passing. It was during his time as a Unified Partner when Greg was able to involve his entire family.

“When Barry became a Special Olympics athlete our entire family was given a chance to become involved in Unified Sports, and to experience how truly special all of the athletes are,” Greg says.

Greg, who recently retired as a captain of the Delaware State Police, says his memorable moments in Special Olympics are too many to list. However, he did single out the year he was named Torch-Runner of the year as being the turning point for his and his family’s extensive involvement in the organization.

“This is a very humbling award, and I have always viewed my involvement as a privilege to serve,” Greg said after learning of his honor. “I have received more from the athletes then I have ever given them.”