Normally when someone thinks of volunteering at the Special Olympics, they probably think of the fact that it is community service and it is something that looks good on applications for a job or college. What they do not think about is how rewarding and incredible the experience actually is. Growing up, I had always been around mentally challenged adults and children because my mom works with them through Central Valley Regional Center as an intake counselor. When she asked me if I wanted to volunteer one year, I was excited and figured if anything, it would be a fun time. However, I had come to find out that it wasn’t just “fun”, it was a learning experience for me also. There is definitely much more behind it than just helping the athletes compete. It is an awesome opportunity to experience all the positive energy and personal achievement. Every year I find myself bonding and cheering on my peers whose challenges like Downs Syndrome or autism disappears between us while our main focus is on their events they compete in. Not many people take the time to volunteer or some just don’t even know how to go about doing so. I make sure to spread the word that it is open for anyone and everyone to volunteer their time. I choose to bring someone new with me every year to share the gratifying experience by my side in hopes that they can help spread awareness of this event and get others interested as well. That very first year of volunteering with my mom a few years back, there was an incident that took place that helped me right then and there, realize that I wanted to come back every year for the rest of my life. I left the event that day with a new appreciation for life, which I have continued to do every other time since then. The feeling of joy I get anytime the inspiring athletes are surrounding me will never fade.…
