VOLUNTEERS
We can not say enough about the volunteers who assist throughout the year. The Management Team of Special Olympics-Westmoreland County organizes the events, does the fund raising, and performs the duties needed to keep the organization in place. But this would be in vain if it were not for the thousands of hours that volunteers provide for the events.
But not only the athletes benefit from the volunteers. Those who volunteer say that they feel better about themselves and have a sense of accomplishment about the day.
When an event is scheduled, the volunteer committee contacts the hundreds of registered volunteers and they are there. They assist with set-up, serve as timers, buddies, and help with the clean up. They form their own committees to run an event, such as the long jump at the field and track meet. When a call goes out to the school districts in the county, they come by the bus loads. The smiles on their faces and those of the athletes let us know that they are there because they want to and not because someone says they have to. Friendships are made and renewed at each event.
ALL of Westmoreland County should be proud of the people from the county who serve as volunteers just as we are proud of the athletes. This is WESTMORELAND COUNTY'S TEAM, not just from one school or organization, but from all over Westmoreland County. Our athletes and volunteers represent Westmoreland County at regional and state events as well and do it proudly.
But not only the athletes benefit from the volunteers. Those who volunteer say that they feel better about themselves and have a sense of accomplishment about the day.
When an event is scheduled, the volunteer committee contacts the hundreds of registered volunteers and they are there. They assist with set-up, serve as timers, buddies, and help with the clean up. They form their own committees to run an event, such as the long jump at the field and track meet. When a call goes out to the school districts in the county, they come by the bus loads. The smiles on their faces and those of the athletes let us know that they are there because they want to and not because someone says they have to. Friendships are made and renewed at each event.
ALL of Westmoreland County should be proud of the people from the county who serve as volunteers just as we are proud of the athletes. This is WESTMORELAND COUNTY'S TEAM, not just from one school or organization, but from all over Westmoreland County. Our athletes and volunteers represent Westmoreland County at regional and state events as well and do it proudly.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
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There are a few myths about volunteering:
- I cannot make a long-term commitment.
Our volunteers are asked to register with the volunteer committee. Once this is done, the volunteer is notified of the date of the event that they choose, or in some cases multiple events. If they cannot make it that day, you will be notified of the next event, or the next time your event comes up. - I cannot spend 12 hours in one day as a volunteer.
Most of our events are no longer than five hours except for the track meet, which usually runs about six hours. The swim meet lasts about four hours and the volunteers for bowling can decide between morning or afternoon sessions. All we ask is that you stay for the entire event so we do not have to replace you halfway through the event. - I cannot volunteer at an athletic event.
All volunteers aren't athletes themselves. We need people to serve as timers, assist with registration, record results, serve as lane judges, and, a favorite to many, help hand out medals and awards. - I have no experience at this type of event.
Our volunteers are instructed prior to the start of the event with what needs to be done. There is plenty of help around from an experienced volunteer or members of the Management Team and meet officials. - Will my name be given out to others
All volunteer lists are kept confidential by Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Westmoreland County. For single day volunteers, there is no paperwork to complete other than the registration form. However, for the safety of the athletes, volunteers who attend out of town or overnight events need to have a State Police Criminal Background Check completed and on file, and this too is kept confidential. If the media is taking pictures and gathering article information, permission is obtained to use your image.
Experience the hard work and sportsmanship of the athletes and gain a few wonderful experiences of your own.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many services that volunteers can provide and the rewards are also many. Help is needed in all areas and there is no minimum time requirements that volunteers must give.
You can work with the athletes or help out with fund raising, public relations or at training programs and competitions. To sign up as a volunteer, go to the volunteer sign-up form.
Sports Training
Competitions
Public Awareness
Professional
There are many services that volunteers can provide and the rewards are also many. Help is needed in all areas and there is no minimum time requirements that volunteers must give.
You can work with the athletes or help out with fund raising, public relations or at training programs and competitions. To sign up as a volunteer, go to the volunteer sign-up form.
Sports Training
- Becoming a swimming volunteer for trainins sessions held at the Greensburg Y.M.C.A.
- Serve as a certified Special Olympics coach.
- Use specific sports expertise to help set up a sports clinic or Special Olympics training.
Competitions
- Attend competitions as timers, lane officials, score keepers, and athletes' escorts.
- Get a group together to manage a particular segment of a competition such as the standing long jump at the track and field meet.
- Help with event set-up.
- Athlete awards presenter
- Organize opening and closing ceremonies help at each event.
Public Awareness
- Volunteer to work the public relations table at community events or special fund-raising events, such as the Christmas Ornament Sale.
- Serve as a photographer or videographer at events.
- Work with civic organizations to recruit involvement in events.
Professional
- Serve as a liason between Special Olympics and the business community recruiting volunteers and fund-raising support.
- Make donations of goods, services, or vital office supplies.
FAMILIES
"Every family is called upon to make sacrifices in the name of love, but families of Special Olympics athletes have done much, much more. Every day, they demand civil rights for their children that others take for granted: in education, employment and health. Families, we salute and commend you."
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Founder of Special Olympics
GETTING THE FAMILY INVOLVED
When families join the Special Olympics-Westmoreland County team, they join a global family - a support network that reaches far beyond the playing field, swimming pool or cycling trail. This global team provides not only support for the athletes but also a support structure for the families. By meeting other families, they can share experiences and learn from one another. But most of all, they will find friendships that will last a lifetime.
Family members serve as key sources of support for one another as they attend competitions, training sessions and other activities together. Families are also key at helping Special Olympics Westmoreland County achieve it's mission of athlete retention. Without family involvement, many athletes simply cannot participate in the program once they leave the education system. The athletes depend on their family for transportation to trainings and competitions as well as support in their endeavors at building self-esteem, physical fitness and at the chance of a better future.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteering together in Special Olympics helps to strengthen family bonds while contributing to the success of their loved ones who participate as athletes. The family is given the opportunity to learn more about disabilities by becoming involved in a support network of families with equal challenges. This network also serves as a resource for opportunities available to persons with disabilities.
Through Special Olympics, families find a community that joins in celebrating their athletes' achievements and believes in a bright future for them.
Families are very important to Special Olympics Westmoreland County, and we offer many ways for you to get involved:
"Every family is called upon to make sacrifices in the name of love, but families of Special Olympics athletes have done much, much more. Every day, they demand civil rights for their children that others take for granted: in education, employment and health. Families, we salute and commend you."
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Founder of Special Olympics
GETTING THE FAMILY INVOLVED
When families join the Special Olympics-Westmoreland County team, they join a global family - a support network that reaches far beyond the playing field, swimming pool or cycling trail. This global team provides not only support for the athletes but also a support structure for the families. By meeting other families, they can share experiences and learn from one another. But most of all, they will find friendships that will last a lifetime.
Family members serve as key sources of support for one another as they attend competitions, training sessions and other activities together. Families are also key at helping Special Olympics Westmoreland County achieve it's mission of athlete retention. Without family involvement, many athletes simply cannot participate in the program once they leave the education system. The athletes depend on their family for transportation to trainings and competitions as well as support in their endeavors at building self-esteem, physical fitness and at the chance of a better future.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteering together in Special Olympics helps to strengthen family bonds while contributing to the success of their loved ones who participate as athletes. The family is given the opportunity to learn more about disabilities by becoming involved in a support network of families with equal challenges. This network also serves as a resource for opportunities available to persons with disabilities.
Through Special Olympics, families find a community that joins in celebrating their athletes' achievements and believes in a bright future for them.
Families are very important to Special Olympics Westmoreland County, and we offer many ways for you to get involved:
- Becoming coaches
- Volunteering at events
- Training athletes at home
- Providing transportation for athletes to training sessions and competitions
- Helping with fund raising
- Organize social gatherings for athletes