Scot Miller, Aktion Club member and Special Olympic Athlete, has been a member of the Fresno County Special Olympics swim team since the early 2000’s and has the fastest time in almost every event in Fresno County. Throughout his swim career, Scot has won more than 200 medals.
Within the local Special Olympics Swim program, Scot has taken on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, helping the younger athletes. He sets an example by being the first in the pool and the last to leave practice sessions.
According to Fred Henson, a Sergeant with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Region 3 representative for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, “Scott is a dedicated swimmer and teammate to his fellow athletes. Scott does not only support his fellow athletes in competition, but he also supports them by donating in his time to help raise funds to support Special Olympics and its mission to serve athletes. Scott is always willing to go the extra mile to support his fellow athletes and Special Olympics.”
Scot was selected to compete in the Northern California Special Olympics State Summer Games numerous times and was also selected to represent Northern California at the United States National Special Olympics games (now known as the USA Games) in 2006. He continues to compete both locally and at the state level.
According to his Special Olympics Swim Coach, Michele Carmichael, “His contributions as a swimmer cannot compare to his contributions as an incredible human being. Even though Scot is one of our best swimmers, he is always the first to help out in any way. He likes to win but is more concerned about his teammates and their progress. He has taken newer and/or less outgoing swimmers under his wing and encourages them to do their best.”
Scot is also very active with the Kiwanis Club of East Fresno, attending meetings and club events regularly with his father, Tim, and helping his dad with the Famous East Fresno Kiwanis Club Cooking Crew. Scot is an active member of the Charis Community Aktion Club as well, where he recently served as club president. As a Charter member, he continues to grow in his confidence and leadership skills and regularly mentors other Aktion club members.
We think his swim coach summed it up best when she said, “Scot always puts others before himself because that is who he is. He is a gifted swimmer, generous teammate and a terrific person.” Congratulations Scot on being named the 2023 Kiwanis Special Olympics Athlete of the Year!
Kiwanis clubs throughout the CNH District are encouraged to nominate a local, Special Olympics athlete for the esteemed Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award. The winning athlete is presented with an award at the annual Kiwanis District Convention and receives $250 for their use in Special Olympics.
Nominations for the 2024 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year award are now being accepted and may be submitted on our online submission form by any Kiwanis club within the CNH District. All supporting material must be uploaded when completing the online nomination form. Nominees must be residents of California, Nevada or Hawaii.