Michael Poll bobblehead contributes to Special Olympics

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Chances are if you go to a UW-Milwaukee basketball game, you'll see Michael Poll. For years he's been as big a part of the Panthers basketball teams as anybody.

Poll, a participant in Special Olympics, has become such a star that he now has his own bobblehead, thanks to a couple of his many friends who have known him for the past decade.

"A portion of the proceeds goes to Special Olympics and everybody in Wisconsin loves bobbleheads so we thought that'd be a great way to do it," said Phil Sklar.

"Unbelieveable, I can't believe my best friends did this to me," said Poll. "It felt great. When I found this out I was so happy. Best day of my life."

Poll's parents say he has become a celebrity who walks in some pretty important circles.

"From the Governor down to the mayor," said Poll's mother, Connie. "We were in New York for World Games for Special Olympics at the top of the Empire State Building and we hear someone yell 'hey Michael Poll!' He truly impacts a lot of lives."

"We know that Michael is mentally challenged but he's spiritually and emotionally gifted and he really has shared that with everyone around him, and with us, and we feel very fortunate to have him in our lives," said Poll's father, Larry.

Poll says the fact that his own bobblehead is helping to benefit Special Olympics is a dream come true.

If you would like to contribute to Special Olympics by purchasing a Michael Poll bobblehead, CLICK HERE.