Volunteering

[Travel4Life]

Special Olympics is a grass-roots organization that relies heavily on volunteers at all levels and is a great way to make an impact in your community. If you are interested in volunteering check out their website for a program near you. Has anyone previously been involved with Special Olympics?

 

[Schmeck]

While I don't know anyone who has volunteered at a Special Olympics activity, I do know someone who ran a marathon to raise funds for them. She was rather upset afterwards, as the money went into a general account, and not towards the community/activity she had requested. I know she spent a lot of time arguing with people on the phone, and the kids she had tried to support were very disappointed. I now turn down the offer to donate when they call my house asking for money.

I would guess that volunteering directly with a local chapter would be much more satisfying!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I was on the Games Management Team in our area two years ago (in charge of Opening Ceremonies) and last year I was a buddy.

 

[Travel4Life]

There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer for Special Olympics locally even if you aren't an athlete. I am thinking about volunteering this summer to help with registration during the summer games in my area. You can check the SO website to see how you can help your local chapter if you are interested.

 

[nevadadis]

Our son is 9 and has participated in golf, track and field, and bowling. His brother who is 11 is now volunteering by helping coach at both golf and track. The golf although it is under the special olympics umbrella receives no funds from them as the coach has a great fundraiser golf tournament each year and raises enough for each child to get a polo shirt and hat before the competition day. The course does not charge him to use the facilities each week. Sometimes a direct donation to a specific program may be more rewarding (eg. golf clubs or other equipment) since you know it goes right to the athletes. shari

 

[fostrmom2mny]

My daughter and son are both athletes. My daughter is a Global Messanger and they both volunteer to help with fund raising and the Law Enforcement Torch runs and Motorcycle Poker Run.

I help out as a volunteer. It is a very rewarding experiance!

 

[TwasBrilling]

I know that where we live, our county does it's own Special Olympics, for some reason they don't participate in the State Olympics. You can always see if your area does the same, this is an excellent way to do something on a local community level.

 

[SandrainNC]

I volunteered when I was in college years ago.

My son will be participating next week in the local special olympics for the first time. He is finally old enough. He is doing the 100 meter dash and long jump.

Sandra

 

[minkydog]

My husband and my oldest son(then 12) volunteered one year to help with bowling. They assisted the lowest level, the kids who bowl with the use of a ramp and gutter bumpers. They had a great time and were so moved by the determination of the athletes.

Fast forward--my youngest son is going into his 2nd year of Special Olympics. He does level A swimming, for those kids who are lower functioning. Most of them wear flotation devices. He has a buddy who swims alongside him and keeps him focused on swimming to the end of the pool. Christian doesn't talk and has some vision impairment, so his buddy has really had to work with him to learn how to get into the pool(hard to get in when you can't see the water well) and touch the end of the pool before turning back( again, can't see it.) The best part, for him, is that his buddies are usually girls--and he does love him some girls in swimsuits

 

[Travel4Life]

I can only imagine what a rewarding experience it is - I look forward to volunteering this summer. The great part about Special Olympics is that they offer volunteer options for everyone and they have great volunteers that keep the organization running year after year - they are celebrating their 40th anniversary which is great!