SPECIAL OLYMPICS LEICESTER 2009

I was recently a volunteer for the Special Olympics in Leicester as a Volunteer Venue Team Manager at the Halls of Residence in Oadby.

It was probably one of the best weeks of my life! I have never worked so hard, or for such long hours, but it was worth every minute to be in the company of such dedicated volunteers and such lovely competitors and carers.

My job was to see everyone into breakfast from 6.30 in the morning, check that transport was arranged to the sporting venues, and try to sort any problems that the delegations may have encountered. At 5.30 everyone was back for their evening meals and it was fantastic to see how happy and proud the athletes were to have taken part in their events, even if they had not won a medal.

When I signed up I had no idea I would also become a Bingo caller, social organiser or musical evening arranger, but these all became my remit, too. I can honestly say that everyone I met during that week had a brilliant and rewarding time. The visiting teams spoke highly of Leicester and its people and many volunteers were motivated to look for further opportunities.

The Special Olympic Athlete motto is “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”. Perhaps we should all think about this in our daily lives.