Volunteers Needed for the Special Olympics

Written by Allison Kelly

Willimantic, Conn. - Charles Wynn, professor of chemistry at Eastern Connecticut State University and meet director for the 30th Annual Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet, is looking for volunteers to assist at the meet.  The meet will be held on March 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Windham High School in Willimantic.  More than 200 athletes with intellectual disabilities from Connecticut and nearby states are expected to register for the event.

            "Volunteers are the backbone of this event," said Wynn.  "Approximately 350 volunteers will be needed to continue to make this swim meet a success. Volunteers are needed in areas such as sports clinics, food services and water safety. The greatest need is for one-to-one partners. Every participant is paired with a partner to help them throughout the day."

            All volunteers will be provided lunch and a souvenir Windham Special Olympics t-shirt. Volunteer forms may be picked up at the main office in Eastern's Sports Center.

            The Special Olympics is a year-round program of physical fitness, sports training, and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

            According to a study by experts at Yale University, Special Olympics athletes perform better at school, at work and at home the longer they participate in the program. Special Olympics has a direct and positive effect on their self-image and ability to function in a social setting. They acquire skills that help them gain employment, maintain relationships, function independently and contribute to community life.

            For more information, please contact Charles Wynn at (860) 465-5258 or Geri White at (860) 455-9196