Gallup Special Olympics athlete Cameron Cheromiah was honored as the 2022 Special Olympics New Mexico “Athlete of the Year” at the SONM State Summer Games in Albuquerque on May 20.
Cheromiah was nominated for this award by Pam Burgess, one of his Special Olympics Gallup track and field coaches, and was recognized as the 2022 SONM Area 6 “Athlete of the Year” at the Area 6 track and bocce competition on April 30.
Some of the qualities that Burgess highlighted in her nomination was Cheromiah’s friendliness and sense of humor, as well as his willingness to lend a hand and make new athletes feel welcome.
“Cameron is a joy to be around,” Burgess said. “He works hard and shows outstanding courage and sportsmanship, both in sports and his personal life.”
Cheromiah, 23, has been involved with Special Olympics Gallup since elementary school. Over the years, he has participated in a variety of sports, including aquatics, bocce, bowling, and track and field. He said he is also “planning on giving golf a try” this summer.
When asked about his SONM “Athlete of the Year” award, Cheromiah said “it means the world to me! I appreciate all my coaches and teammates for being there for me.”
Cheromiah’s grandmother, Jennie Ferguson, said, “Special Olympics has helped Cameron get involved with sports and he really enjoys doing it!”
Cheromiah helped to run in the “Flame of Hope” torch and light the Special Olympics cauldron, signaling the official opening of the 2022 State Summer Games.
Staff Reports
