After nearly 40 years as a volunteer, a Monmouth, Illinois man was awarded the Special Olympics Illinois Lifetime Service Award.
Dan Burgland received the award at a June 15, 2012 reception held just before the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.
Burgland joined Special Olympics as a volunteer on the area committee in 1973. Since then, Burgland has served on several submcommittees and as a referee for several Special Olympics sporting events. He helped interpret and create rules for Special Olympics Illinois events.
Western/Area 4 chapter founder Hiram Brownell nominated Burgland for the lifetime service award, saying he “was and still is the type of person that was always the first one at the event and the last one to leave.”
Nominees for the lifetime service award must have at least 20 years of service with Special Olympics Illinois as well as demonstrated significant contributions to the athletes and the organization.
Burgland and his brother co-own Burgland Farms.
Pictured: Dan Burgland getting the Lifetime Service Award from Special Olympics Illinois. Also in photo with him is Garrett Anderson, a Special Olympics athlete who was MC at the reception, and Dave Breen, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. Photo provided by Michele Henson.
