YEARS INVOLVED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS: 2 months
WHAT IS YOUR VOLUNTEER POSITION: On my feet, wherever I am needed. I have served/serve as program volunteer in the following programs: Basketball, Active Start, FUNdamentals, Swimming, Floor Hockey C, Sport Start Soccer, Softball C and Bocce.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED: I needed to fill 60 hours of volunteer experience working with special needs for a program I was applying for at Douglas College. I was on the website www.govolunterring.ca and noticed that Surrey Special Olympics was looking for Softball coaches/volunteers. When I call Rachel Borer at Special Olympics to talk to her about joining this program she informed me that there were multiple volunteer opportunities with the North Shore local where I could fulfill my hours immediately. In my first weekend I attended swimming and basketball and between the coaches, volunteers and athletes I was hooked and knew this organization was something I wanted to continue to be involved with long after my 60 hours were completed.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: I love teaching, interacting and being involved with the athletes’ development. No matter what is thrown at them, they are full of heart and determination setting a positive example for everyone around them. They always have a smile on their face and that is extremely inspirational.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OR EVENT AS A VOLUNTEER: The whole experience thus far has been memorable. The day-to-day participation in practice, the random parents thank you for your time and effort, watching an athlete that you have worked with receive a ribbon at an award ceremony. I cannot narrow it down to just one moment!