When I was offered the opportunity to volunteer at the 2014 USA Games of the Special Olympics, I…read morejumped at the chance. I always want to get involved and volunteer but my schedule is usually full. This time I decided to do something for a good cause and clear my schedule to volunteer. What an awesome facility for such a great group of people. Mrs. Shriver's vision in 1962 that started as a camp back in Maryland still is just as impactful today; even more so as it was from the bginning, I'm sure. The Special Olympics complex has many modern features to include an exercise room with modern equipment such as elliptical, treadmill as well as bikes. An expansive gymnasium which a variety of events can be played and a library with an array of books as resources for children with delayed developmental milestones. Outside a beautiful patio area and a gazebo compliment the grounds offering peace and a place to go for quiet and fresh air. I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Health Young Athletes Ask A Doc (AAD) program sponsored by the Robert S. Wood Foundation. Not knowing exactly what to expect in my role as a therpaist providing advise to families as well as assisting at the events afforded me to be excited and flexible. The AAD program provided onsite health care professionals to speak to families who had questions about their children with intellectual, social, behavioral and/or physical disbailities. There were physicians, nurses, dentists, speech, occupational and physical therapists as well as dieticians offering their expertise as needed. Moreover, the disciplines were able to interact at the outdoors events with hand help puppets representing various health care providers. But the best part of my 2 day experience was watching the children from ages 2-8 enjoy various obstacles courses under these wonderful big tents that were created, ride bikes, bowl, kick soccer balls, rolls balls,compete in racing activities and other sporting activities. Anyone without a smile on their face, tears of joy and happiness in their eyes and a heart melting watching these kids do things we take for granted, all the while having fun with each other without judgement, prejudice, anger or any negativity, maybe miss the emotional gene of compassion for humanity. When given the opportunity again, I will volunteer but not for only 2 days, but for at least a week or more. Volunteering felt good, it felt right and shows, we make time for what is important to us................

From the owner: Getting involved with Special Olympics New Jersey is a life-changing opportunity. When you donate,…read moreyou create opportunities and experiences for thousands of athletes. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a real impact. When you introduce a corporate partnership or foundation grant, opportunities and programming grow exponentially. However you get involved, seize the opportunity to be a true Champion for Special Olympics athletes across New Jersey and make a genuine difference.