2010 Special Olympics

[Singleminnie]

The 2010 National Special Olympics is being held this week here in Lincoln, NE. I volunteered yesterday/last night helping conduct eye tests. On Monday, they gave away 250 free pairs of glasses and checked the eye sight of 600 people. I did not realize what goes on behind the scenes. They also have 30 dental chairs sat up for exams and treatment, plus hearing checks and checks on their feet.

Tomorrow I am helping out with softball games and awards ceremony. I have been so impacted by this event and I would not have known unless my friend did not suggest that I volunteer. I am sure there is a DISer here somewhere or someone knows a special athlete. In 4 years the games will be held in another community and if it comes to your community get out and volunteer, you won't regret it!

 

[Kimberly]

Kudos! My older sister does this every year for swimming, and I try to make it back up to the states to volunteer (for the local events in NJ, I can't make it to Lincoln, NE!). Really is extremely rewarding!

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

You are so right! I was honored to work the Special Olympics in 1987 when they were held in South Bend, Indiana. It was a life changing event and even after so many years it holds a special spot in my soul.

I was fortunate enough to carry the sign in the Opening Ceremonies for the United Kingdom and sat with them during the Opening. I ended up becoming their "mascot" and went to as many events as I could. It was truly wonderful. I also was lucky enough to work several shifts in the Olympic Village.

If you can, try to find some small trinkets from your area or with USA on them to give out or trade. A lot of the athletes have brought items from their countries and love to trade.

Have a great time!

 

[almburr]

I was a hugger at the end of the races. I loved being there.

 

[kirstenb1]

OP, thanks to you, and everyone else who volunteers!!

 

[Jennasis]

I am the head coach of my county's Special Olympic Equestrian Team. I was selected to coach the 2011 US team at World Games next year in Athen's Greece as well. I was a coach for team USA back in 2007 at World Games in Shanghai, China also.

I agree with you. Absolutely life changing. My athletes are amazing, inspirational people and I adore them!

Those who volunteer are super special individuals too. We can't do it all without all the wonderful folks who give of themselves for the organization.

 

[~disneydiva~]

I volunteer with the medical team thru our local fire dept. We always have so much fun! You defintely forget about all the small problems in your life after working with these athletes. We had one girl around 15 running in one of the events and she tripped during the race and completely face planted. She had a scrape by her eye and her lip was bleeding. She got up and finished the race before coming to the medical tent.

The dance the have for them is always so much fun!

 

[browneyes106]

My boyfriend volunteers as an assistant coach for the Special Olympics basketball program here in our city. I sometimes help him and friends out who coach. Special Olympics are very touching events. My sister volunteered with Special Olympics as part of scholarship program she was involved in college.

 

[PrincessMomto2]

I also had the pleasure of working at state level event. I volunteered through work and actually got to work at a stand that took their pictures and put them on tee shirts for the athletes my company sponsored this activity. It was a great experience. Till this day I remember one of the athletes asking me to be in his picture with him. It was an honor!

 

[minkydog]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! to all you dedicated volunteers. As you know, it takes a LOT of helpers to pull off the Special Olympics. My son Christian is a Special Olympian swimmer. I am indebted to those teens who get in that frigid water every week from Feb-June and coax Christian go give it his best. There is no way I could do that and these boys and girls are so faithful. They never show any impatience with him(and believe me, Christian can be obstinate!) and they never lose their enthusiasm. Hats off to Special Olympics volunteers

 

[mantysk8coach]

The 2010 National Special Olympics is being held this week here in Lincoln, NE. I volunteered yesterday/last night helping conduct eye tests. On Monday, they gave away 250 free pairs of glasses and checked the eye sight of 600 people. I did not realize what goes on behind the scenes. They also have 30 dental chairs sat up for exams and treatment, plus hearing checks and checks on their feet.

Tomorrow I am helping out with softball games and awards ceremony. I have been so impacted by this event and I would not have known unless my friend did not suggest that I volunteer. I am sure there is a DISer here somewhere or someone knows a special athlete. In 4 years the games will be held in another community and if it comes to your community get out and volunteer, you won't regret it!

Question for you - is figure skating offered at this event? I coach an adult lady with Down Syndrome, and there aren't a whole lot of opportunities around here for her to compete. She LOVES competing and performing. She's been entering adult events in mainstream competitions and that's been working out, but it would be awesome for her to be able to attend a competition all of her own!

ETA - Nevermind, just looked online and sadly, it is not offered.