Be a Part of Something Bigger, Volunteer

Last year about this time I wrote a post in which I talked about Chelsea, an athlete that I coach who is the first female powerlifter from NH who represented her state at the USA Special Olympics Games in Orlando, FL. By the way, she won Bronze at the Games.

Fast-forward to June 2023 and I am at it again, this year she is headed to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

I am sharing this with you because I am extremely proud of her and because she is an example of how anyone can achieve the goals they set out for themselves. It's a simple reminder for all of us to never underestimate someone's ability.

Want to learn about Chelsea and what makes her amazing?

First off, if you know me you know that I can absolutely appreciate a sassy attitude. But more importantly, as her coach, I appreciate her drive, commitment, honesty, humility, and genuine concern for others.

When she's not powerlifting she takes writing classes, works part-time, is always present at the gym, and is part of the leadership team with New Hampshire Special Olympics where she encourages others to believe in themselves and to push themselves...simply because she knows they can. Chelsea embodies the Special Olympics' core values

• SPORTSMANSHIP
• TEAMWORK
• ACCOUNTABILITY
• INTEGRITY
• RESPECT

I may be her coach but I am fortunate that she also considers me to be a mentor and friend.

How did I get involved?

I started volunteering with the NH SO a number of years ago. I helped out in classes when I could. But then the classes came to a halt due to the facility moving and could no longer support the program.

We were fortunate to get a green light from another gym close by that welcomed our athletes with open arms. We set it up. However, the early spring of 2020 had a plan of its own. In the summer of 2022, I worked with the owners to bring it back and now we have a great program that runs two times a week where we do programmed workouts, play games, and learn to lift weights all in an inclusive and inviting environment. Everything is scaled to the athlete's ability at that time.

I also started coaching Chelsea with powerlifting in 2021and then Scott joined us in 2022 (he had a powerlifting coach, but the coach no longer had availability) with his training. By the way, he won Bronze at the USA SO Games too.

I volunteer my time to coach all these amazing athletes. I may not get paid but I get something even more valuable, the ability to be a part of their journey. To help them reach their goals, and realize their dreams. I have to say, it's definitely worth a few hours of my week to see them shine and experience their excitement, and simply understand how I can be a better person to others.

Now let's talk about how you can be involved and why you will love it as much as I do.

New Hampshire Special Olympics recently held its Summer Games. As you can imagine there are many moving parts and sometimes there are gaps that need to be filled with funding or volunteering. They are always looking for assistance so check your local SO org website to see what opportunities may be available to help out.

As I said, I volunteer weekly with CrossFit classes and coaching two powerlifters but not everyone has the available time. I get it. However, taking some time at a local event (Penguin Plunge, regional games) to help with food distribution, photography, and a slew of other roles that may need to be filled could be an alternative. Or funding so that athletes' expenses are covered for the event such as hotel, meals, equipment, flights, etc.

Recently we held a lift-a-thon to raise money to help cover some of Chelsea's expenses (athletes get their own fundraising page where folks can donate directly). CrossFit Earned raised about $1400.00 to help get her to Berlin!

Why volunteering and donations matter

Here are some numbers to give you some perspective on the magnitude of such an event.

Over 200 individuals representing 46 Special Olympics US programs have come together to make up the Special Olympics USA delegation at Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

• 96 Special Olympics athletes
• 37 Unified partners
• 38 coaches
• 23 support staff

Plus over 200 communities from all over Germany are going to welcome the 190 international delegations from 12 to 15 June 2023. There will be ?7,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from approximately 170 countries competing in 24 sports. The athletes will be supported by more than 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers.

This is the largest communal inclusion project in Germany’s history and will create a new sense of togetherness far beyond the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

If you would like to learn more about how you or your organization can get involved? It's Right Here!

Want to stay up to date with Chelsea while she is at the SO World Games - download the app. #inclusionrevolution #Cheer4USA #specialolympics #berlin2023