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Articles
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Jr. Youth Volunteer at Special
Olympics Summer Games
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Jr. Youth pictured from left to right
Steven Pruett, Phillip Palmore,
Matthew Lehman, Sydney Bowles, Matthew
Featherston, Levi Weber, and Mary Alice Vaughn.. |
On Saturday, June 8, 2002, the
Jr. Youth volunteered their assistance during the Special Olympics
Summer Games held in Richmond. The Special Olympics were established to
provide opportunities for sports competition for the mentally disabled.
There were many opportunities for volunteers to assist as the
organization depends heavily on volunteers.
The events of the day included competitive sports
events and a carnival area with games just for fun. All events were free
to the Special Olympians and their families. Our group was in charge of
several huge inflatable activities in the carnival area—the bungee run
and a HUGE obstacle course. Before the Olympians were ready to use the inflatables,
our group had lots of fun testing them out! The level of assistance
required by the Jr. Youth varied based on the disability of each
participant. Throughout the day, we were graciously provided with a free
lunch and a variety of snacks. After our shift was over, we had the
opportunity to observe some of the athletic events. It was very
rewarding to see the athletes persevere in spite of their limitations.
Several weeks later, we were surprised to receive a
thank-you letter from Valerie Reinford, the Director of Event
Management. An excerpt from the letter follows, "Thank you very
much for recruiting and coordinating the volunteers from Powhatan
Mennonite Church Junior Youth Group. I attend First Mennonite in
Richmond and two years ago we had our Junior MYF group help with the
Summer Games."
Our experience was very rewarding. We were blessed in unexpected ways
because of our willingness to go. The 2003 Summer Games will be held on
June 6 and 7. If anyone is interested in participating as a volunteer,
please contact me for more information.
By Joyce Lehman
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