When I was 14 and 15, I volunteered for Special Olympics, as an assistant swim coach. I LOVED it! The athletes I worked with were always so happy to just compete- the person who got 5th place was just as happy as the one who got 1st.
After we moved to New York, I volunteered for several years, working with the EMS team for New York Special Olympics as an Emergency Services Coordinator. I was constantly amazed by the absolute joy of competition that was shown by the athletes. I look back on my days with Special Olympics as the best in my life :)
Thank you, Eunice Kennedy Shriver! Special Olympics does not only impact and change the lives of the athletes who compete, but also the lives of those who volunteer to work with the athletes. Special Olympics athletes are the true athletic heroes, and we have you to thank for bringing them out of institutions, and giving them a place to shine.
So true, I have an adult nephew with Down's Syndrome. Some of his happiest days were his days at the SO!
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