A Uintah Basin man was honored this week during the 43rd annual Golden Key Awards held on October 24th. Sidney Smith of Vernal, a double amputee, was given the Ace Award for being a mentor to others with similar challenges as himself. Smith is considered an example for his determined spirit because he doesn’t let his disability stop him from running, swimming, biking, working, and enjoying a busy life with his wife and children. Smith recently completed a half Ironman and shows no signs of slowing down. The Golden Key Awards are presented by the Utah Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. This year there were only 5 total award recipients, four were businesses with Smith being the only individual honored. The recipients were nominated by their peers for their contributions that promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
