At the 2025 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament in Charlotte, which took place from November 13 to 15, Harry Martz of Special Olympics Mecklenburg County was awarded the Robb Williams Tennis Sportsmanship Award.
The award is named after Robb Williams, a respected SONC tennis athlete known for his respect toward others and strong sense of sportsmanship. The honor recognizes athletes who demonstrate similar qualities both on and off the court. Upon receiving the award, Martz said, “I was so surprised, and I felt so special knowing that’s how people see me.”
Martz joined Special Olympics Mecklenburg County in 2018. He began with powerlifting and later expanded his participation to swimming and tennis. In addition to his athletic involvement, Martz serves as a leader within SONC by participating on the Athlete Leadership Council, acting as an Athlete Ambassador representing athletes statewide, and speaking as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger.
Coach Jeff Beard commented on Martz’s approach: “Harry Martz values his extended family and his teammates’ happiness, well-being and personal growth more than another ‘W.’” Those who know him often mention his empathy and kindness toward others.
Special Olympics North Carolina has provided sports opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities since 1968. The organization supports nearly 53,000 athletes and Unified partners across North Carolina through year-round training in 20 Olympic-type sports as well as health initiatives aimed at improving access to community health resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Programs like Unified Champion Schools promote inclusion among youth with and without intellectual disabilities.
