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JUNE COLUMN: CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS

6/1/2018

 
​Hello readers! Final column before the spring/summer season winds up. However, Nationals training will continue for those athletes travelling to Nova Scotia.
 
On May 12th, the Ravens hosted a softball tourney at Hackett Park. Coquitlam Tigers and Vancouver BC Thunder each played a game against the Ravens. There were great plays, homeruns and fun. Thanks to coach Randy for stepping up as umpire, Leenea from the Lions Club, Kathy for being First Aid Attendant and Tina for managing the players bench.
 
At the game I interviewed athlete coach, Derick Pye who recently returned from a leadership conference on Peer Mentoring with fellow athlete coach Michael Brooks and coach Mike Gojevic. When asked what he took away from the experience Derick replied that he “learned different techniques” to encourage participation in warm-ups.
 
Coach Mike reported that Michael and Derick both started with Special O as athletes but as they have grown, they discovered an ability and desire to give back. Both bring very positive attitudes to their sports and both are positive influences on our athletes. They were excellent Ambassadors for the Sunshine Coast as they learned about the importance of Mentorship.
 
Recently at a fundraiser, Hike For Hospice, I was impressed by the important work that so many volunteers undertake with this organization. It was heartwarming to see so much support from everyone, the Lions Club, musicians and even some zany clowns.
 
This is a perfect example of the power of volunteerism. Whether it is the SPCA, Hospice or my particular forté, Special Olympics, NONE of them would be possible without these fantastic souls. To give freely of ones time in order to enrich the lives of others is by far the greatest choice a fellow human can make. So take time to thank a volunteer.
 
Special Olympics honoured our own volunteers on Sunday May 27th at Shirley Macey Park, with an Appreciation BBQ, bocce and terrific weather! Tina Beckman, Mike Gojevic, Daryl Lowey, Sheena McDonald, Dave Sandness, Debbie Schoenberger & Catherine Duncombe were acknowledged for 5 years of contribution, and Sheri Archer, Marylin Downey, Helene Johnston, Judy McDonald, George Proudfoot and Marion West for their decade of service.
 
I spoke with the two Gibsons District Volunteer Firefighters Dale and Lee, who ran the BBQ, and asked what drove them to donate their time. Dale as it turns out is the dad of Amanda, one of the athletes, so his reasons are self-evident. Lee has played Bball with several of the athletes and thought it only right to come and help out. Thank you to both of you!
 
Some things we are looking forward to in June are a Bocce tournament on June 10th in Burnaby and our AGM on June 25t.h. There will be a soccer game preceding the meeting between Sechelt and Gibsons teams.

​Michael Oswald

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    Author

    Micheal Oswald is the "media man" / athlete reporter for Special Olympics Sunshine Coast.  You can frequently find him out at the many events our local hosts, whether it be taking photos or interviewing participants and/or coaches.  His work is published in our local media and beyond, including an article in the Huffington Post.

    Micheal is also the author of the book I Am A Man Who Cries. The book is a heartfelt compilation of essays, songs and poems - many of which address the experiences and challenges Micheal has faced as a person living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 

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