Beyond the Game: A Special Olympics Pennsylvania Profile Series
Today, we’re introducing Olivia Rajakovic and Memphis Szakelyhidi, two student 2024 Winter Games volunteers from Northgate High School in Pittsburgh, PA.
“We got involved with Winter Games last year. Our National Honor Society offered it to us last year so we’re back again this year with them.
There are a lot of volunteer options with National Honor Society, but Special Olympics is just super fun. One of our friends, Cayla, competes, so we love to come out and support her.
We met Cayla a long time ago. She was in my sister’s grade in elementary school. But now we do cheer and musical with her.
Through our activities we do with Cayla, she’s become a leader. She’ll lead the lines, she’ll lead the songs… We treat her like nothing’s different. In cheer, she’s basing stunts, and she puts me on her shoulders. Cayla is incredible and also really strong,” Olivia said.
“She does everything we do,” Memphis said.
“Being here today, it’s so fun to talk to everyone. Everyone’s so passionate about what they do. Like, I just met a snowboarder, and he was so excited for me to watch him compete today…,” Olivia said.
In high school, volunteering is so important. We all see different experiences and meet new people. It’s good to meet people who are at different levels in life than you. It’s best to always help out when you can,” Memphis said.
To volunteer with Special Olympics Pennsylvania, please visit www.specialolympicspa.org/become-a-volunteer
