For the past month our sports reporter, Jeff Hansen, has been profiling the unique and important efforts of the athletes in our city’s Special Olympics program a success.
Volunteer coaches, administrators and fundraisers, work tirelessly day in and day out to give the competitors an opportunity to be involved in sports from the local all the way to international levels. Dances and other get-togethers also provide a social element creating a well-rounded and immersive program that helps build self-esteem, fitness and leadership skills.
The success of the organization is largely dependent on the army of volunteers it attracts. Wendy Stiver, who died last year and whose loss was profoundly felt by St. Albert Special Olympics, was a volunteer credited for much of the organization’s growth over the years. Her work and influence was instrumental in providing more opportunities for people with disabilities in this city.
Stiver was named St. Albert's Volunteer Citizen of the Year for 2012 after the city hosted the National Special Olympics Winter Games. Stiver’s hard work was credited for much of the reason that event was so successful. It was estimated that she dedicated 250 days to Special Olympics that year alone.
People such as Stiver in the volunteer world are difficult to replace, oftentimes two or three people are needed to fill the shoes of one such person. With busy schedules and burnout an issue, nearly every group knows how valuable a commodity volunteers can be.
The attitudes and commitment of the hundreds of athletes who participate in the program are also vital to its success. People such as Dallas Sorken, who is not only this year’s athlete of the year, but is also the north centre representative to the Special Olympics Alberta’s Athlete Leadership Committee, is one such person.
Featured in Saturday’s Gazette, Sorken is a shining example of a person who has used the skills and confidence he gained as a Special Olympics member to give back to the program by helping to advocate for his fellow athletes and guide the organization’s future development.
There is no more special feeling than helping someone succeed and meet new heights. So, if you are looking for a place to give back to the community, perhaps the Special Olympics is the place for you.
Be smart this weekend
The May long weekend heralds Alberta’s crossing from spring to summer each year. Thousands of people flock to campgrounds across the province to celebrate the first real camping weekend of the year. It is also among the most dangerous weekends with alcohol-related injuries and deaths being all too common.
As you prepare to get out to celebrate and have a good time, remember to be careful. Protect yourselves and others, don’t drink and drive.
Too many lives have been lost over the years because of fools with a bottle.
