For the joy it brings

By Carolyn Sloan

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

“What really hooked me were the smiles, the enjoyment everyone received out of it.”

The power of a smile is something Bob Wade knows well. After more than 10 years with the Special Olympics, it’s seeing the joy on the athletes’ faces that makes it all worthwhile.

When the Annapolis County Special Olympics started in 1995, it was his son Brian who initially inspired him to get involved.

“It was just what we were looking for for Brian, something for him to do,” he explains. “It offered him a place where he could be at the same level as anyone else, where he could comfortably feel equal.”

While he will always be involved with the organization through Brian, it now feels like the right time for Bob to step down as regional coordinator, and allow someone else to inject new energy and ideas into the organization. But finding those special people who will give of their time isn’t easy, for any non-profit group these days.

“I think it’s a common problem with every organization, really,” says Bob. “But it’s a very much worthwhile organization, very much needed in the community, and you do get things in return.”

Special Olympics coach Judy Pearcy says that she has benefited personally from working with the local group in more ways than one. As someone who was always very competitive in sport, her involvement with the athletes has kept her active as well. Most of all, though, it’s seeing the athletes develop confidence in themselves that is the real reward.

“I really enjoy it,” says Judy. “It’s also self gratifying to be part of an organization that you know you’re giving back. You’re giving back to the community.”

Yet, with a shortage of volunteers, there’s always the fear that programs like the Special Olympics in Annapolis County will not survive.

“When I see a person 10 years ago and see that person progress to where they are right now, it would be a shame to let that go,” Judy explains. “There’s only a handful of us, and there’s not enough to go around.”

Despite the need for volunteers, she remains determined to keep the organization afloat. Part of the beauty of the program is that anyone can help, says Judy. Volunteers don’t have to know all about sport to participate. The athletes can benefit from whatever life experience people can bring to the organization.

Furthermore, the Special Olympics group will pay for volunteers to be trained. Soon Judy will be headed to Digby to take her Level 1 theory course as a cross-country skiing coach.

“You don’t have to be qualified – that comes with time,” she explains. “Any day-to-day life experience that we have, we can help these athletes.”

While the regional organization is looking to fill a number of volunteer positions, including regional coordinator, what is sorely needed are people who can help fundraise.

“The government only gives so much money and Special Olympics [organization] only gives so much money [to our group],” says Judy. “You can never get enough fundraisers.”