Two Wichitans with roots in a United Way-funded agency recently received national awards. John Larkin excelled in tennis, while Donald Shifton shined in community service. Both learned valuable life skills at The Arc of Sedgwick County.

Larkin recently traveled to the Special Olympics World Games in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, taking first place in tennis in mixed doubles, third place in singles and fourth in doubles. Larkin, who has been playing tennis since he was 11-years-old, competed against 7,000 athletes from over 150 countries.

"The trip was fun…it was great, especially meeting people from China, Hungary and Australia," said Larkin.

Skills to Succeed

The Arc’s Director of Programs Marty Rothwell says that one in 10 families are affected by some form of developmental disability. Rothwell says the Arc’s goal is to give members experience at being normal, one activity at a time.

"It’s nice to get awards, but the real victory is in paying the price through hard work and commitment to improve," said Rothwell. "For years, parents are told what their children cannot do; at the Arc, we encourage what they can do," Rothwell added.

Community Service Award Winner

Shifton began challenging himself as a member of the Arc 25 years ago. Three years ago, Shifton took a job at Albertson’s food store as a courtesy clerk. This year, he won the company’s prestigious Community Service Award for his dedication to community service.

Shifton was selected from over 7,000 employees in Albertson’s Midwest Division for his "on-going devotion to touching and inspiring the lives of citizens in Wichita and the surrounding area," according to the judging committee. The company flew him to its headquarters in Boise, Idaho to receive the award.

Shifton says he likes helping people and volunteering, having donated over 350 hours to community service.

Shifton, who also volunteers for the Arc, donated his $1,000 prize money to the agency that gave him his start.

Larkin and Shifton play tennis each Monday evening. Larkin teases, "I have to play it easy against Donald." Shifton says he wishes he could have helped Larkin win the tennis awards, but instead helps Larkin by picking up tennis balls when he is practicing. They are both very proud of each other. Each has represented himself, Wichita and the Arc especially well.