2019 Baldwin Co. Special Olympics seeking volunteers

March 29-- Mar. 29--The 2019 Baldwin County Special Olympics are slated for Wednesday, April 10, and event organizers are seeking volunteers to help ensure that the athletes have a fun, spirited day.

As in recent years, the Special Olympics will be held on the track inside the Baldwin High School football stadium, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will take to the arena for some friendly competition in various athletic events.

Between 50 and 60 athletes from Baldwin and its surrounding counties are expected to participate. Baldwin County opens up its Special Olympics to surrounding service agencies located in counties that do not hold their own event each year, giving more athletes the opportunity to shine. Two new agencies have signed on to join the local competition this year -- Noah's Ark Day Center located on North Jefferson Street as well as a service center located in neighboring Hancock County.

The 2019 Baldwin County Special Olympics begin with a parade around the track at 10 a.m. before the real competition begins.

Local volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities ranging from timers, escorts, huggers, and even just as encouragers to help cheer the athletes on as they give their all.

"Volunteers are extremely important to this event," said Baldwin County Special Olympics coordinator Shannon New-Diaz. "They're the backbone of the program. Without the volunteers coming and helping, this program would not be a success. It's vital to have the volunteers come and help with the various aspects of the games."

The coordinator added that with all the jobs available, no number of volunteers for the event would be too large.

"We'll take as many volunteers as we can get because different people like to do different tasks. Some people like to be hands-on with the athletes while others don't. If nothing else, we like to have people sitting up in the stands simply cheering our athletes on because they love the attention and they work extremely hard. We're very proud of all the effort that it takes in order for them to participate."

Volunteers may reach out to New-Diaz in advance of April 10 to register, but they may also do so the morning of the event. All volunteers, either pre-registered or those who sign up the day of, are asked to be at the stadium at 9:30 a.m. The day is expected to wrap up around noon, meaning that just a couple hours' time is needed to make a big impact in the lives of the Special Olympics athletes.

"I have never had anyone come out and tell me that they did not have a great experience," New-Diaz added. "I think if anything it enlightens people and opens their eyes to what our athletes with intellectual disabilities can accomplish because there are so many misconceptions otherwise."

The volunteers definitely are not the only ones who benefit, though. The athletes get the opportunity to see what it feels like to be cheered on by a crowd while they put forward every ounce of effort into the various events.

"This gives them an opportunity that they otherwise would not have," New-Diaz said of the athletes. "They get to participate in sporting events just like everyone else. They're not just Special Olympics athletes, they're special people."

That message is also shared on the 2019 Special Olympics T-shirt that will be worn by many of the athletes and volunteers. They will be on sale the day of the event, and prices start at $10 and go up from there depending upon the size. The shirt reads, "I'm not different. I'm just a special edition."

"I think that sums up our athletes," said New-Diaz. "They're not different, they're just like you and I and everybody else. They're just a special edition, and everyone wants to be a special edition of something."

Those interested in volunteering for the 2019 Baldwin County Special Olympics may call New-Diaz at 478-456-5475 or via email at shannon.new-diaz@dbhdd.ga.gov.

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