A Lawrence family was among the winners of the 2013 Special Olympics Kansas’ Making a Difference Awards.

The family of Brady Tanner of Lawrence, a member of the Douglas County Jayhawks Special Olympics team, was named Family of the Year.

“They have shown that people with disabilities can do great things,” said Special Olympics Kansas spokeswoman Donna Zimmerman. “Their commitment to helping Brady as a world champion powerlifter has elevated the sport throughout the state. They are role models for all Special Olympics families.”

Other award winners included KOAMTV/FOX 14 of Pittsburg for Business of the Year; Irene Smith of ANW Co-op in Iola for Coach of the year; Rob Emery of Pittsburg for Event Volunteer of the year; and Dave and Mary VanSchuyver of Plainville for Program Volunteers of the Year.

The winners will be officially recognized at the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics summer games on June 6 at 7 p.m. at Cessna Stadium on the Wichita State University campus in Wichita.