Mike Wolfe Receives Albert Heckler Award

Celina, OHIO — Mike Wolfe, a dedicated coach and mentor for the Mercer County Special Olympics Powerlifting Program, received the Albert Heckler Award from the Mercer County Board of Developmental Disabilities on Thursday evening during the annual Mercer DD Appreciation Banquet.

The Albert Heckler Award is an annual award named in honor of Albert Heckler, a longtime community advocate whose passion and tireless work helped to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities across Mercer County. The award aims to recognize individuals that embody the same commitment to enhancing lives, fostering inclusion, and promoting the rights of those with developmental disabilities.

“Mike Wolfe changed the lives of his athletes and more often than not, their families,” said Mercer County Special Olympics Coordinator, Sam Fledderjohann. “Mike will forever be remembered as a beloved coach, mentor, friend and life changer,” she continued.

Wolfe did countless things as a volunteer to help people with disabilities. Wolfe assisted in building the foundation of the inaugural Mercer County powerlifting team, as a leader and coach. But his coaching did not stop there. He was known to help athletes in and out of the gym. He also was a big fund raiser for Special Olympics. This recognition celebrates Mike’s unwavering commitment to empowering athletes with disabilities, helping them achieve their full potential both on and off the platform.

While Mike is no longer with us to accept the award in person, accepting the award on Mike’s behalf was his family: his wife Chasity Wolfe, daughter Caitlin Brecht, and son Damon Wolfe.

Awards were also given to Mercer DD staff members with milestone years of services at the banquet. Awards went to Sam Fledderjohann, Special Olympics & Peer Support Coordinator, and Jay Schwieterman, Facility Maintenance Coordinator, for both 5 years of service.

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Mercer DD serves approximately 500 eligible children and adults in Mercer County through a wide range of programming, supports and services. For additional information, visit www.mercerdd.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MercerCountyBDD.