See below for some Volunteer Spotlights from our outstanding volunteers!
Georgia Wynn – Lowndes County High School Volunteer
“Special Olympics means the World to me. When I first started volunteering with the Special Olympics in 2016, I had no clue much the organization was going to impact my life. The first Special Olympics team I volunteered with was Lowndes High school’s Special Olympics travel softball team. I was inspired to volunteer with Special Olympics after working with other special needs sports teams. I was a partner on the travel team for three years, and I look back on my memories of practices and trips with a smile on my face. At our practices, I remember trying to hit the softball with a bat while my athlete friends encouraged me after every missed swing. I have so much respect for the athletes, other volunteers, and the sponsors (especially Mrs. Mccauley, my coach from high school). I have also had opportunities to help with volleyball, bowling, bocce ball, and I plan to help with other sports in the future. In 2018, while working as a freelance writer, I choose to write an article about my high school’s Special Olympics travel team. I am inspired by all that the Special Olympics organization stands for, and I wanted to share my experiences with the community. By working with and getting to know the Special Olympics athletes, I learned that every person’s mind works differently. I think it is important for everyone to know that each person on this planet deserves respect and attention, regardless of mental or physical differences. When I started working with Special Olympics, I believed I was the one helping out, but I soon realized that the Special Olympics organization was helping me. I think more people would benefit from the Special Olympics experience, I truly have.”
Chris Bray – Special K’s Local Coordinator
“I started volunteering with Special K’s over 20 years ago. I am a long-time special education teacher. A parent of one of my students asked me if I’d be interested in helping with their basketball program….over time, I went from assisting, to leading the basketball program, to becoming Local Area Coordinator of Special K’s. So many amazing experiences, but what keeps me coming back is watching the relationships and friendships made through training, competition, and all of the fun stuff we do!”
Mandy Young and Family – Horse Show Volunteers
“My kids and I have volunteered for three years with SOGA at the Equestrian event in Gainesville. We began volunteering when my youngest was just 6 years old, and it’s been something that we look forward to each year. I love that my children are able to volunteer and interact with the athletes from all across Georgia. The athletes have enriched our lives, and our kids have even made friends with some of the athletes. Being able to volunteer gives my children an opportunity to see that all of the athletes are unique and special, and the relationships that are formed just in one day are ones that have lasted as fond memories in their minds. Each year, my kids ask when it is time to register to volunteer, and we are happy to clear our schedule for the entire day. In fact, we wish we could volunteer at even more events in the future!”
Jason Rozier – Law Enforcement Torch Run Volunteer – Gwinnett County PD
“My oldest son, Colten, age 12, has Down’s Syndrome. I got involved with LETR to support him and his fellow athletes. My favorite memory was him coming to visit me during a Cops on Donut Shops event when he was one years old. He ate eight hot and fresh donuts by himself. To this day, they are still his favorite treat.”
Amber G – Summer Games Volunteer
“I wanted to show my boys there are more ways to help people. This was the first time I volunteered, and I look forward and volunteering again.”
Cindy Bickman – Cobb County Gymnastics Coach
“This is a story about volunteers recruiting Special Olympics athletes to be volunteers. Yes – you read that right! At the 2017 Winter Games gymnastics competition, a group of enthusiastic Kiwanis volunteers, led by Victoria Turney, told me about the Aktion Club – a Kiwanis club for adults with intellectual disabilities. I introduced Victoria to a group of parents and athletes, who thought the Aktion Club would be a good fit for the Cobb County Special Olympics Gymnastics Team. We believe that people with disabilities don’t always have to be the recipients of charity; they have a lot to give. So, we started the Chattooga Aktion Club. Ron Davis, from the Jonquil City Kiwanis Club, is our sponsor. His brother competes in Special Olympics, so Ron was thrilled to have the opportunity not just to present awards at competitions, but to have the athletes work alongside him to present awards to other athletes. Since the 2017 Winter Games, in addition to competing, the Cobb County gymnasts have volunteered at every Summer and Winter Games, plus the USA Gymnastics/Special Olympics Gymnastics Championships. Here’s what the athlete/volunteers have to say:
Emily Belk – “l have had some great experiences volunteering at Special Olympics competitions. When I’m not competing, I enjoy helping with music, score sheets, and moving mats. It makes me happy to help the other gymnasts accomplish their goals.”
Shannon Laffey – ” I enjoy helping at Special Olympic competitions because I like to help the other athletes and coaches and it makes me feel good.”
Stephanie Rios – “I like to help out the little kids because they can learn from an adult and they can say another athlete taught them. I like to talk to all the different people because I like them to be my friends. Even if I don’t understand them well, they become my friends.”
Karen Davis – “I like to help with awards. It’s fun to give out medals and high fives.”
Paulette Harrison – “I like to volunteer at Special Olympics competitions because I like to share in the younger athletes’ achievements. To see and hear their excitement, whether they win or lose. The smiles, cheers, and even tears make me happy.”
Wray Cochran – Law Enforcement Torch Run Volunteer – Gwinnett County PD
“My wife Linsey and I are the proud parents of a future Special Olympian. Our son Maverick is not even two yet, but he is a real warrior! Specifically, he is a heart warrior. That’s what they call the cardiac patients at the children’s hospital where he had his first open heart surgery at five days old. He had his second open heart surgery at four months old, and he is currently thriving! Both of his heart conditions are common in people with trisomy 21, Down Syndrome, which he has.
We volunteered for the polar plunge with SOGA, and it was a wonderful experience! Our friends, family, and church family were amazingly supportive of our fundraising efforts. The dip in the water was refreshing, to say the least, and we can’t wait to do it again next year. In the meantime, we are looking into more ways we can get involved with SOGA, for we truly believe in the work they are doing.”
Brittany L. Petish – Volunteer at Duck Pluck, Over the Edge, Polar Plunge, and Winter and Summer Games
“I’ve been volunteering with Special Olympics for over ten years now. I love working with families — parents who trust us with that which they cherish most of all: their children of all ages. I’ve participated in everything from feeding the athletes and coaches/families before their big games, opening and closing ceremonies, the Polar Plunge, arts and craft tables (as an artist myself still one of my favorite areas to help), I’ve worked the after dances, scored basketball and gymnastics, Duck Derby Days, fundraised and participated in Over The Edge for three years, and been honored to be a cheerleader to all the amazing athletes at any of the games. It brings me joy to see them proudly doing what they love for an incredible organization that makes it possible. With my free time there isn’t anywhere I would rather be. I be love knowing I get to be a small piece of a pretty incredible puzzle. And I hope through my actions I can encourage others to get out there and do the same.”