Special Olympics with Credit Union Association

Hi my classmates!
I am doing my internship in Pawtucket Credit Union (PCU). I am shadowing Mrs. Rojas -a Community Development officer. Last Friday, there was the Rhode Island Special Olympics took place in URI. Not only the officers of PCU but those of the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island came to help and to have fun with those who are a lot less fortunate than us. There were 1,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and closely related developmental disabilities; meanwhile, there were approximately 500 volunteers. Our job was to assist the athletes since they entered the Old gym until they started to compete in the indoor track gym. We took the athletes to register and lined them in groups of each event or in teams. For teammates, we helped them put on team’s shirts and numbers in order. Then we either took the athletes into the indoor track gym to compete or waited for other teams to finish until it was our turn. Doing this job and communicating with the athletes, I realized that although the athletes are disabled, sometimes are over-emotional and are having difficulties in controlling themselves, they are very kind, naïve, friendly and passionate in what they are doing. They focused, tried hard and determined to get the medals. The athletes have their talents in sports and desire to have such an Olympics just like normal people do. Though we were worn out by walking back and forth, standing, energetically talking to the athletes all day, I could see the joys and excitement of the athletes as well as their families and I felt that it was so worthwhile to be a contribution that made the Special Olympics possible.
-Hana-