Athletes, parents and coaches honored as Champions of Character

From the left: At-large school board members Ryan McElveen and Ilryong Moon, Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, Nathan Albergottie, Gary Wright, and Jennifer Soto.

Two athletes and a parent with the Annandale Boys & Girls Club (ABGC) and a coach with the Olympiacos Soccer Club DC were honored as the Mason District Champions of Character.

The awards program, sponsored by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, “honors youth, coaches, and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor in various athletic programs,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova at the awards ceremony Oct. 1.

There are four award recipients in each magisterial district. The Mason district honorees are:

Male athlete: Nathan Albergottie, a junior at Falls Church High School, has participated in the ABGC soccer program for 12 years. “He strives to help his teammates and classmates with group projects for school, volunteering in the community, and on the soccer pitch,” the Athletic Council says. “Nathan consistently uses his experiences to enhance the lives of those around him, all while maintaining a 3.0 GPA.”

Female athlete: Jennifer Soto fell in love with soccer in the third grade and has continued to play for the ABGC and other leagues all through high school, the Athletic Council says. A recent graduate of Justice High School, “she credits her love for coaching and mentoring to her involvement in the club. Jennifer will undoubtedly demonstrate her excellent character as she continues her education at George Mason University.”

Coach: The Athletic Council calls Amadu Fullah, a coach with the Olympiacos Soccer Club DC, “an exceptional coach who focuses on developing soccer skills and building character both on and off the field.” Fullah “cares about his players and holds monthly evaluations to monitor their progress and make recommendations for improvement.”

Parent: Gary Wright has served the ABGC since 1998 as a soccer commissioner and coach, basketball commissioner and coach, softball coach, tee-ball commissioner, lacrosse commissioner and coach, and scheduler. He has also overseen the girls’ and boys’ basketball programs. “Gary is a role model who consistently demonstrates proper conduct and good sportsmanship,” the council says.

“You stand out for best exemplifying what sports is all about,” Bulova told the Champions of Character award winners. “It’s about character; it’s about teamwork, it’s about respect. And it’s about emphasizing fun and positive development.”