Lurwick’s Induction was Celebrated at Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Summer Games
(June 16, 2026) – Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) recently inducted Lehigh County athlete Samantha Lurwick into its Hall of Fame during its Summer Games.
Lurwick started her Special Olympics career 20 years ago and throughout her experience, she has competed in bowling, basketball, softball, volleyball, golf, track, swimming and gymnastics. She has shown her dedication to her craft by training in sports year-round. Not only is Lurwick dedicated, but she is recognized for being the epitome of a great teammate. She is the first to congratulate her teammates and even her opposition on a game well played.
“I love being involved in Special Olympics,” said Lurwick. “I have made so many friends and I love the memories I have made with them. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was absolutely incredible. It was the best night ever! I will remember it forever.”
Off the field, Lurwick has become an athlete leader for SOPA. The athlete leadership program empowers athletes to develop leadership skills and use their voices and abilities to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change within the Special Olympics movement, and create inclusive communities around the world. This summer, Lurwick will be taking her leadership to the next level by serving as an Athlete as Coach for SOPA’s Young Athletes program being offered at the Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center this summer. The Young Athletes program facilitates play-based activities designed to introduce children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities to the world of sports while developing fundamental motor skills, social skills, and confidence.
Lurwick has taken her passion for sports and all that she has learned from Special Olympics to coaching. She currently serves as one of the assistant coaches for the Bethlehem Catholic High School’s Boys Basketball team.
SOPA established the Hall of Fame in 1996 to honor the hard work, dedication and contributions of outstanding athletes and volunteers who have achieved incredible feats on the field of play and in their communities. These individuals exemplify the best of SOPA. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame athletes must participate in Special Olympics for at least 10 years, display dedication and growth on and off the field, and demonstrate positive sportsmanship. One athlete and one volunteer are inducted into the Hall of Fame biennially.
Joining Lurwick in the Hall of Fame as a volunteer is Scott Otterbein, a Special Olympics Coach from Montgomery County. SOPA Interim Chief Executive Officer Nate Garland announced both Lurwick and Otterbein’s inductions at the Opening Ceremony at SOPA’s Summer Games, presented by Sheetz.
“Athletes like Samantha are why we do what we do,” said Garland. “Not only does Samantha give it her all on the playing field, but she shows up every day for her teammates, this organization and her community. Our goal at Special Olympics Pennsylvania is to empower our athletes and Samantha has not only embodied that but helps to empower others each and every day.”
Summer Games, held at Penn State University, is the largest statewide competition and brought more than 2,000 athletes and coaches from across Pennsylvania to compete in five sports (aquatics, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, and tennis). Months of hard work and dedication to training were rewarded as athletes from all corners of the state went for the gold during this three-day event.
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Founded in 1970, Special Olympics Pennsylvania is part of a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than 15,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners statewide and more than 16,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics Pennsylvania delivers more than 20 Olympic-type sports and over 1,000 competitions every year. Engage with us on: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter. Learn more at SpecialOlympicsPA.org.
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