Norman Carter would love to do more with the Special Olympics than he currently does. He wants to compete in more events, and he wants to act as a spokesperson for Special Olympics. The organization calls them “Global Messengers.”
So far, there is only one thing standing in Carter’s way: volunteers.
The Beaufort/Hyde chapter of the Special Olympics has a shortage of volunteers. The shortage has affected the sports programs available here. The organization has the interest and the space to offer sports like volleyball and basketball, but no one to coach the teams.
Special Olympics North Carolina sports include Alpine skiing, bocce, bowling, hockey, golf, cheerleading, tennis and gymnastics. There are power-lifting teams, equestrians, cyclists and skaters.
The organization could use all levels of expertise to teach and train local Special Olympics athletes. There are programs that allow you to compete against Special Olympics athletes. They also have fundraising events like the annual Torch Run 5K and the golf tournament in October. Volunteers will operate all of the Special Olympics events at April’s games.
Volunteer opportunities do not end on the field. Volunteers run every aspect of the Beaufort/Hyde program. The organization could use committee members, event coordinators and medical professionals for free health screenings through the Healthy Athletes program.
Carter could use a volunteer, too. He is in the market for a speech coach who can help him write and practice speeches for speaking engagements then travel with him to the events.
To get involved or learn more about the Special Olympics go to http://www.sonc.net/get-involved/ or contact local coordinator Sara Boykin-Clark at twns2jandj@yahoo.com.