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Special Olympics volunteers make event a success

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  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Morris
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A volunteer recalls a young man, around 8 years old, at the starting line of the race. He was visibly nervous. He rubbed his hands together as he told his supporters he was scared. He was not sure if he could still compete. His mother, father and brother were all standing by the starting line as well as numerous volunteers who were there to support him. They reassured him over and over again that it would be fine and that is was something he needed to do for himself. He finally decided he was ready. After the whistle blew for him to start, she ran alongside him and cheered him on the whole way.

For many of the volunteers like Capt. Tiny Cox, 436th Airlift Wing assistant staff judge advocate, who supported the Special Olympics Sept. 13, 2014 at the Dover Air Force Base Air Mobility Command Museum, these moments made a difference in their lives and the lives of the athletes.

More than 150 military personnel from Team Dover cheered and supported more than 50 Special Olympics athletes for the annual Special Olympics of Delaware Cycling Competition.

This year marks the fifth year that the competition has been held at the Museum, said Mark Wise, Special Olympics of Delaware director of training and volunteer management. The athletes came in from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia to compete in races of varying distances.

"The Special Olympics provides sport and fitness opportunities to those who may not have an opportunity to participate otherwise," said Wise. "They compete with their peers on a level playing field so they get a truly competitive experience."

The event is for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Wise said what keeps the organization coming back year after year is the safe environment for the athletes to compete in and the phenomenal job the volunteers do.

The Special Olympics events are important to the athletes that compete in them, but without the support of the volunteers, the athletes would not get as much out of them.

Many of those volunteers come back year after year to help out with the event. Capt. Cox volunteered at the event for her second year in a row.

"The volunteers have always embraced our athletes as well as the event itself which adds tremendously to the athlete's experience. Over the years they've taken ownership of the event," said Wise. 

Cox said she volunteered again to let the participants know that there are a lot of people rallying behind them.

"I love to give back," said Cox. "Volunteering is just part of me."
  (Information from Special Olympics Delaware news release was used in this story.)