Being a buddy to individuals with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, such as Autism,  has made such an impact on my kids and me; I want to share with you some ways you can be a part of it.

How to Volunteer With The Special Olympics:

1- Contact your local Special Olympics to determine where Special Olympics is in your area.  Start looking at the first of the year.  Our local chapter has their programs in Spring but there are other opportunities through out the year.  This is our second year volunteering with the Special Olympics .

2-  Learn about developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Autism .

3-  Be in the moment.  Cheer as loud as you can during The Opening Ceremony Parade.

A young athlete read this Special Olympics Oath over the microphone during the ceremony,

“Let me win.  But if I do not win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

After some research, I discovered that Roman Gladiators would recite these words as they entered the arena.

I think this is going to be my new mantra in life.

The Opening Ceremony Parade

Cheering on athletes.

Local ROTC

Passing the torch.

4- Pass the torch of volunteering on to your kids.

5- Be a buddy; to a child in or out of the Special Olympics.

Getting paired with a buddy.

In learning about Autism, I have discovered how important therapy dogs can be.

Joshua (below) is a therapy dog.  He is missing a limb (since he was 7 weeks old).

Therapy dogs are important in engaging with children; disabled or not.

6-Don’t forget to pet the dogs!

Bill Kreitzer owns the Puppy Rescue and is training Joshua to be a therapy dog.

7- Remember the prize.  It isn’t always tangible.

Getting medals!

What is your experience in volunteering?