[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HOOSIER HEROS--SPECIAL OLYMPICS COACH JERRY KNOOP

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                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 15, 1997

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my report from 
Indiana.
  During the recess break I had the opportunity to meet with and listen 
to the stories of the people all throughout the great State of Indiana. 
These stories of hope, dedication, and family are truly inspirational. 
Hoosiers who have dedicated their time and compassion to make a 
difference in the lives of others in communities. These people are 
truly heroes, Hoosier heroes. I would like to share with you a story of 
a father who goes above and beyond the responsibilities of a parent. 
Jerry Knoop, of Fairland, IN, has always been involved in the 
community. Whether it would be coaching his children's athletic teams, 
or supporting the local athletes, Jerry has helped unselfishly to 
better the lives of others.
  After an accident left his son, Eddie Knoop, mildly mentally handicap 
at the age of 8, Jerry discovered that the local athletic programs 
could no longer accommodate the needs of his son. He then took it upon 
himself to make sure his son and others like him received the attention 
they deserve. By working with the local school's special education 
programs as well as the Special Olympics, Jerry made himself known 
throughout the community as the man who can't say no to volunteering. 
When his son became old enough to attend Shares Inc., a local shelter 
for the handicap, Jerry quickly involved himself by coaching several of 
the athletic teams. His wife, MarySue, commented that it takes a unique 
person to coach people with disabilities. Jerry approaches the athletes 
with a lot of patience and caring.
  He takes the time to break down things to the athletes so that they 
can understand the fundamentals of the sport. He often ends up 
repeating himself to try and help them as much as they can. It is this 
type of patience and commitment which won him the 1997 U.S.A. Weekend 
Most Caring Coach Award.
  Nominated by his son, Jerry's commitment to helping others has 
invoked his family and friends to also involve themselves with the 
Special Olympics. His daughter and son-in-law, Kileen and Jack Clay, 
have also coached Special Olympic teams. Kevin Pagent and Don Wright, 
two coworkers of Jerry have followed Jerry's example by coaching and 
supporting Special Olympic athletes, often traveling as far away as 2 
hours to get to a game. Jerry's influence has also reached to the young 
people in the community. Kurt Benshimer, a junior at Trinton central 
High School, got involved with the Special Olympics after learning of 
Jerry Knoop's dedication through his church, where Jerry also 
volunteers putting together the weekly bulletin.
  Jerry Knoop wholeheartedly puts others in front of himself. We should 
all follow the example that Jerry sets. Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
salute Jerry's efforts in the State of Indiana and recognize the 
positive impact that he has had on the community.
  Jerry Knoop is truly a Hoosier hero. That concludes my report from 
the Second District of Indiana.

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