Some very Special Olympics

I originally wrote this in August 2017 and completely forgot to post it, but with more volunteering pending I thought I'd get this done now. (slightly amended of course)

I was based at Ice Sheffield, for the Artistic Gymnastics, and wow what a great few days we had. The competition was superb across all levels of competition, I am in awe of any one that can balance on the beam, even without having to do all the fancy flips and walkovers.
But one of my greatest memories will be the first day that competitors came into the arena for the first time and saw where they would be competing. The expression on their faces was one of sheer amazement, followed by delight and maybe a little bit of nerves kicking in.
As a volunteer we get to meet some amazing volunteers (and also competitors) with their own great stories. It really is a very satisfying event to be involved with.
The National Games take place every 4 years, the previous one in Bath in 2013 I was working with the athletes for the track and field events.
Both events were absolutely fantastic for participation and atmosphere, with families and other spectators cheering the athletes on. A wonderful way to spend a week.
If anyone wants to find out more about the Special Olympics either locally, Nationally or worldwide, check out the link and maybe I'll see you volunteering at the next games.
https://www.specialolympics.org/

It's been too long now since I got home from a great week in Sheffield supporting the Special Olympics National Games. How time flies and how remiss of me not to do a post sooner.


Each day the volunteers formed a welcome line to cheer them in as they arrived, and at the end of each day we did the same to congratulate them all as they left, with cheers and high fives, their smiles were very rewarding.


So many medals came back from the first day of medal presentations, it was great to hear them all jangling like bells round the gymnast's necks as they returned full of smiles. And that continued throughout the few days of competition.
One of the great things about the Special Olympics is that everyone that takes part gets recognised. First, second and third get the traditional Gold, Silver and Bronze, but there are ribbon rewards all the way down to 8th place, and for any others that may have not managed to gain a place for whatever reason there is a participation ribbon.