Hi. I'm going to be volunteering at my community's special Olympics this upcoming Saturday, and I was just wondering what to expect. I'm going to be hanging out with one of the athletes, just guiding them to their events and such. Any past experiences would be great, or just some tips! I'm excited but also nervous! Thanks for your help in advance!!
2007-05-08 09:03:21 · 7 answers · asked by yahooanswersfan 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Uhmm...I don't know what your talking about but I was wondering...Do you know what day it is? I think it's Monday, but then yesterday was Thursday, and my daughter ran through the glass door on Sunday, she was swinging on Tuesday, the bird was in the dumpster on Wednesday but it is gone today, so does that make today Saturday?
2007-05-10 09:29:46 · answer #1 · answered by FU! -.~ 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Three tips:
1) the athletes are just people--be helpful if asked, but just treat them like you would anyone else.
2) (Serious) Watch your feet. Or you will get your fooot run over by a wheelchair or yourankles whacked by a cane!
3) You will have communication problems. When you are having a conversation with someone with a speech impairment, make a special effort to listen carefully. And, if you can, try to learn some basics of ASL (American Sign Language) ahead of time.
Otherwise, its like volunteering for any other event.
2007-05-08 09:43:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think alot of it will depend on which event you are volunteering for. I have voluteered for the bowling competition for the Special Olympics. Basically I was expected to run the scoring machine and provide general encouragement. Other events maybe a little more hands on with the athletes but I wouldn't think that they expect too much from voluteeers who don't have alot of experience with the special athletes.
2007-05-08 09:13:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Have a good time. Remember that the athlete will probably be your age, so don't baby them. Hugs = babyish. High fives, lots of cheering....very cool. Don't stand around and talk to your friends. Get to know your athlete. I LOVE, LOVE special olympics and have been a coach and unified partner for many years...the things I listed above are my pet peeves from the teen volunteers. Watch out or you just might wind up making a career out of it!! I started out in h.s. and here I am 12 yrs into teaching spec. ed. Have fun!!
2007-05-08 13:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by DuneFL 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
nateclar... is right!
My daughter is a Special Olympics athlete. My words to you are, "Enjoy your day."
We were at my daughter's swim meet a couple days ago. What a courageous and dedicated group of people! The camaraderie between the athletes is inspiring! Not only that, but between the teams... awesome!
Many of the athletes know players from the other teams and they all cheer each other on. What to expect? Hmmm...
On Sunday, one boy had a seizure just as the race was about to begin. He fell off the side and into the pool. He instantly came out of it and went on to race THAT race! He came in fourth that time, but he was also scheduled to race the next race. He WON that race! Yes, expect to see someone have a seizure. What you may not expect is for that person to persevere and go on to win!
Another boy on my daughter's team began the season completely afraid of water. (This is a swim team?) The coaches have been amazing. When the athletes suited up, he did also. When they tested the water, he chose to "sit it out." When they all met at poolside, he remained in the bleachers, wrapped in a towel, talking with the spectators. When his name was called, he got up and made his way to the end of the pool. When the swimmers got into the water, John did, too. And when the race began, John began to swim, too.
About halfway through the 25 meter race, we noticed that John was doing really well. He was a couple lengths behind the swimmer in the lead and we started to chant, "Go, John! Go, John!" He heard us and really started swimming! Just at the end, he reached out his hand to touch the bar and... He WON the race! I'm teary eyed writing about it.
During the summer games, one boy commands your attention on the basketball court. This boy has had brain injuries and surgeries. This boy doesn't have the use of his right arm. His right leg is in a brace so that he can walk. Yet, he is an aggressive player! He is also one of the best players on the team! And he is a good friend.
My daughter also plays basketball. She used to stand on the court biting her fingers. She would run from one end to the other as instructed by her coach, but she was afraid to interact. At home, she could throw baskets from way across the lawn. But she never had a chance during a game because she never got the ball.
I told the coach, if she had a chance, she would make baskets. The coach was wonderful. She helped her overcome her fear and shyness. At the end of the third season my daughter was like a secret weapon! When the other players would get her the ball, she would make a basket!
At the State Games, the last game of the season, during the last game, during the last quarter, one of the players threw my daughter to the floor and she hit her head. She was seriously out of the game. Her teammates were very upset! They played their hearts out to defend her honor, and they won that game!
Your job is respect each person there, like-abled or differently-abled, and encourage each one to "do your best." You'll be so amazed at what "your best" can mean to a person who has overcome more than you may ever imagine.
Expect a bit of confusion. No matter how well-planned, there are likely to be glitches. On Sunday, they forgot to feed some of the athletes. Last year, there was confusion about where the different teams were playing -- on which courts -- in which building!
Don't offer snacks to anyone without first finding out whether it is ok. Many of the athletes are diabetic. Many have difficulty with different foods.
Do offer lots of support, encouragement, and applause to everyone! You'll be surprised at how that helps.
And mostly, be "with" your athlete! Learn her language. Clap and shout her name as she plays! Be patient and positive. Enjoy your time with her. Take pictures! (Especially on a digital camera that displays the pictures as you take them. Share the smiles as they appear on the screen!)
2007-05-09 01:13:02 · answer #5 · answered by home schooling mother 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
don't be nervous. the athletes are usually pretty cool. my sister is a special olympian so i have alot of experience. just treat them like everyone else. some of the coolest people i know are in special olympics. its great.you'll have an awesome time, trust me.
2007-05-08 09:12:32 · answer #6 · answered by nateclark07grad 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
learn alot from it
2007-05-09 02:23:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋