Governors' Gold honors Blazers, "Big Red" and others Friday night Oct. 16

NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton, Blazer greats Maurice Lucas and Bobby Gross, and other special guests will join the Governors at the 2009 Governors’ Gold Awards this Friday, Oct. 16 at the Oregon Convention Center.

The 7th Annual Governors' Gold Awards and its inaugural Oregon Experience Auction will be a star-studded and lively affair this year, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 in The Oregon Ballroom of the Oregon Convention Center.

Even The University of Oregon Fighting Duck and Oregon State’s Bennie the Beaver will put rivalry aside for a night to celebrate statewide greatness – both promising to be on their best behavior. The annual gathering benefiting Special Olympics Oregon takes on even greater significance this year by also representing a snapshot of historical achievement and commitment to our beloved state as we continue to celebrate Oregon’s Sesquicentennial.

Awardees and event participants:

DaveFrohnmayer, President 1994-2009, University of Oregon, former Attorney General

The Standard – J. Greg Ness, President & CEO

Hoffman Construction Company – Wayne Drinkward, President & CEO

Patsy Smullin, Owner & President, California Oregon Broadcasting, Inc.

The 1977 Portland Trail Blazers NBA Championship Team –with special guests Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, Bobby Gross, Harry Glickman, Bill Schonley

Michael Nelson – Owner, Nelson Real Estate

Powell’s Books – Michael Powell, Owner & President

LAIKA, Inc. – Travis Knight, President & CEO

Event hosts Governor John Kitzhaber, Governor Barbara Roberts, Governor Vic Atiyeh; and a tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver by Gert Boyle, Chairman, Columbia Sportswear


Founded in 1972, Special Olympics Oregon serves individuals statewide with intellectual disabilities – the largest disability population in the state that impacts one-in-five Oregon families. We empower our participants and inspire our communities on and off the field. Every Year. Every Month. Every Day.