Photo By Sgt. Rigo Cisneros | Army Reserve Sgt. Robert Camacho with the 211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment...... read more read more
Special Olympics Texas is part of the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with disabilities, providing year-round competitions.
“Because we are nested in Bryan/College Station, we are a community asset. We are a part of the community and this is just one way we can give back to the community,” said Maj. Philip Boedecker, commander of the 211th MPAD. "Volunteering in community events is just one way we can do that," said the Houston, Texas, native.
The athletes competed in myriad track and field events. At the center of the competition are the races, with the athletes ranging from preschool to past retirement. Throughout the day, the athletic fields can become a chaotic place and it was the citizen Soldiers who escorted the athletes from location to location between the events.
“I’ve been volunteering since high school,” said Capt. Michael Havro, a team leader with the 211th MPAD. “I did track and field when I was in high school. I understand what they are going through,” added the Palatine, Illnois, native. “The levels of anxiety, the ability to express themselves and just have fun.”
According to Randy Daniel, the competition director, it takes about 500 volunteers to run the three-day-event.
“Our athletes especially love when we have folks that come out in uniform and get to see their heroes and supporting them,” said Jayna Bishop, the games director.
Special Olympics Texas features year-round local and regional competitions, with volunteers coming from all walks of life throughout the community.
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2018 00:32 |
| Story ID: | 274053 |
| Location: | COLLEGE STATION, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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