Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Paige Soderman has received the 2025 Dan Piper Award at the NYC Buddy Walk. Soderman, a graduate of Western Carolina University’s Participant Program, works as a special education assistant teacher and is recognized for her ongoing contributions to her community.
Soderman has been involved with Special Olympics for over two decades. Her roles have evolved from athlete to advocate, and she now serves as a Global Messenger, promoting inclusion and wellness throughout North Carolina. She has also emceed the Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games Opening Ceremony, spoken at Law Enforcement Torch Run events, and participated in a local self-advocacy group.
During the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Buddy Walk event in New York City, Soderman’s photo was displayed in Times Square along with images of other individuals with Down syndrome to celebrate their achievements.
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