Wanted: A few good volunteers. Knowledge of sports helpful, but not necessary.
By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Wanted: A few good volunteers. Knowledge of sports helpful, but not necessary.
That’s what the organizers of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games say is needed for the week-long event, which runs from June 14 to June 21 at various locations in Mercer County.
Nearly 3,500 athletes from across the United States — all of whom have intellectual disabilities — will compete in 16 Olympic-style team and individual sports. It includes bowling, golf, powerlifting, soccer, bocce, aquatics, baseball, softball and cycling. More than 70,000 spectators, family members and supporters are expected to turn out for the games.
But managing such an endeavor cannot be done without volunteers, and that’s why the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Inc., needs volunteers, said David Larkin, who is himself a volunteer and the Volunteer Communications Commissioner for the games.
The deadline to apply is early May.
The organization wants to recruit 10,000 volunteers to help out, and it has nearly met that goal, said Mr. Larkin, who is the liaison between the volunteers and the organization. About 2,000 to 2,500 more volunteers are being sought to meet the goal of providing 10,000 volunteers — all of whom must be at least 16 years old by June 14.
While volunteers with sports-specific knowledge are appreciated, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers who may not be interested in sports but who would like to help out in other areas, Mr. Larkin said.
Volunteer opportunities range from recycling attendant, competition escort, competition staging assistant and food and beverage attendant to time/score keeper, spectator services attendant and awards tray bearer — and even to “fans in the stands,” who cheer on the Special Olympics athletes.
The competition escort will escort the athlete from the staging area to the competition area or playing field, while the competition staging assistant makes sure the athlete is in the staging area for the pre-game warm-up. The assistant also makes sure the athletes have enough water to drink.
The food and beverage attendant helps with providing meals, beverages and snacks to the participants. The recycling attendant helps with the removal of filled garbage cans and recycling bins and monitors overall cleanliness for the athletes and the staff.
There is a position for spectator services attendant, who volunteers at the information kiosk.
The time/score keeper observes the competition and records all of the information before giving it to the scoreboard operator, ensuring that the scoreboard results are accurate. The sports administration assistant helps the assistants check in the athletes and ensures that they are all accounted for on-site, and also posts the game results in designation areas.
Mr. Larkin, meanwhile, knows all about volunteering. He has helped out with Special Olympics New Jersey since he retired from Univar USA. When he learned of the 2014 Special Olympics Games USA, he decided he needed to volunteer there, as well.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Mr. Larkin likes sports. He has coached the freshman boys’ basketball team at Notre Dame High School for many years, and he volunteered to be the announcer for the Special Olympics New Jersey’s basketball tournament.
The Hamilton Township resident said he is “pretty interested in staying involved with Special Olympics New Jersey.” There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available, he said, adding that he discovered the group while he was preparing in advance for retirement.
”Once you volunteer once, you want to keep coming back. You build an affinity with the athletes and you see them grow,” said Rachel Gary, the director of communications for the 2014 Special Olympics Games USA.
For more information on the games and how to volunteer, visit www.2014specialolympics.org.

