Annually, the final day of The Big E is the Fair’s Salute to Special Olympics, brought to you by Bulkley Richardson. The day begins with a reception at the Storrowton Gazebo. This year, Virginia McMullan of Agawam, Mass., was presented with the Donald Dowd Award for her longstanding commitment to Special Olympics in West Springfield.

Donald Dowd was a resident of West Springfield that passed away in 2010. The Donald Dowd Award is given to individuals who, like Dowd, have shown extraordinary commitment to Special Olympics. The recipient’s dedication to the program has left a lasting impact on athletes and their families throughout Western Mass. By their efforts, athletes have grown in confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Speakers included Nate Myhram of the Greater Springfield chapter of Special Olympics; Fred Luman, an athlete from South High and Friends; Julie Laprise, coach of the Templeton Twisters and Tim Garstka, Eastern States Exposition’s director of Sales. The Donald Dowd award was presented by Lynn McCarthy, coordinator for West Springfield.

“This is always the happiest day of the year,” said Garstka to begin the presentation.

Virginia “Ginny” McMullan has been a Special Olympics coach for nearly 20 years. She is described by her fellow coaches as “a wonderful influence on all athletes.” She has mentored countless athletes in basketball, flag football and softball throughout the years. She lives in Agawam with her wife, Diane Wahl.

“I would like to thank Special Olympics and Lynn McCarthy, our West Side coordinator and tireless leader,” said McMullan upon receipt of her award. “I hope I have made a difference in the lives of those touched by this program because they have made a huge difference in mine.”

In addition to the award presentation, the West Side Special Olympics Cheerleading Squad performed on the Storrowton Gazebo in the afternoon. The cheerleaders then rode a trolley in The Big Parade, a Mardi Gras celebration that tours through the fairgrounds at 6pm daily.