Volunteer Spotlight!
“I hope we can make a fraction of the impact they have made on us..."
Madi McIntyre and Chris Holmes have a little dilemma on their hands – figuring out how to get all their Pathfinder Piranhas Special Olympics team onto the guest list for their upcoming wedding. They joined the Pathfinders Piranhas a year ago, but the bonds created have been so rich, they say, that the Piranhas feel like family.
As a high school student in Shaler 10 years ago, Madi volunteered with students with intellectual disabilities during gym class. Her one semester gig progressed as she persuaded her guidance counselor to let her continue. Now she and Chris find themselves in a world of new activities including soccer, basketball, track & field, and unified golf. As a self-proclaimed non-athlete, Madi borrows from the motivation of her athletes.
“Whatever personal goal they have for themselves, it’s electric” she says.
Madi works in HR, Chris in insurance. They both endear the influence from their one-hour-a-week practices with the Pathfinders Piranhas as a guide to their work week. Patience, appreciating the present, and gaining perspective on what’s important are elements they both credit come from their involvement with Special Olympics.
“Once you see them get moving and really get into the flow of things, you forget everything else that’s going on and you’re really present with them,” says Madi. Chris echoes the sentiment, adding, “I almost feel selfish with how much I enjoy it.”
Honing in on this reciprocity of giving and receiving when coaching for Special Olympics, Madi is humble, saying, “I hope we can make a fraction of the impact they have made on us.”
The Three Rivers Region is purposefully taking time to reflect on our appreciation of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to Special Olympics. This is another touching story of the impact one volunteer has made in our community!
In case you have not been thank yet, THANK YOU!
In case you have not been thanked enough, THANK YOU!
In case you will likely volunteer again, THANK YOU!
#3RRVolunteerstory
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SOPA to Host Free Health and Sport Clinic for Athletes
WHAT: New and returning Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes are invited to obtain access to free medical screenings needed to participate in Special Olympic programs.
WHO: Sponsored by Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Health
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2023 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
WHERE: AHN MONTOUR JUNCTION SPORTS COMPLEX
WHY: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a significantly higher risk of suffering from levels of disease and preventable health conditions than those without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is the largest global public health organization and is dedicated to serving people with ID. As part of this mission, Special Olympics Pennsylvania is excited to provide Health and Sport Clinics around the state for new and returning athletes to gain access to free screenings and healthcare.
REGISTER AT: https://forms.office.com/r/ZLekKFsBSH
Pittsburgh, PA –Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate in a local Health and Sport Clinics – a new initiative to provide individuals with ID free and accessible healthcare. The Clinic will feature a variety of health services, including physical, podiatry, vision, dentistry, and audiology exams, as well as organized sports activities and information regarding signups for upcoming SOPA sports and events.
“We are thrilled to add Health and Sport Clinics to our list of offerings as an organization,” says Andrew Fee. “As a leading public health organization, we take our athletes’ health very seriously, and want to offer them and other individuals with intellectual disabilities healthcare that may otherwise be inaccessible. We are excited to see new and familiar faces at these clinics as we all work helping our athletes lead more healthy lives on and off the playing field.”
Healthcare can often be expensive and harder to access for those with ID and the aim of the Health and Sport Clinics is to combat these barriers. Persons with ID run a higher risk of suffering from levels of disease and preventable health conditions than those without ID, so it is critical for them to have opportunities to obtain routine exams and affordable healthcare. Additionally, it is required to complete a yearly physical exam to qualify as a participating SOPA athlete, which is made easy through the Health and Sport Clinic initiative.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Three Rivers Region is proud to serve 4,000 athletes and partners and provide year-round training in 24 sports. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Special Olympics athlete or volunteer with our region can come out to the Health and Sport Clinic or visit our https://specialolympicspa.org/ to learn more.
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. For more information about how you can join “The Inclusion Revolution,” visit www.specialolympicspa.org.
Aerie & Special Olympics athletes Photoshoot
Pittsburgh, PA - Special Olympics PA, Three Rivers Region athletes were true models of the Special Olympics' mission in the annual photo shoot with Aerie by American Eagle, a Pittsburgh based company. Eight athletes from the Three Rivers Region went to Zone 28, a local bowling alley, to participate in the annual photoshoot where SOPA athletes show off the near Aerie clothing lines coming out in the stores.
You can find the great photos and more about the partnership between Aerie and Special Olympics by visiting: https://www.ae.com/aerie-real-life/2022/07/14/celebrating-global-week-of-inclusion-with-special-olympics-2/
Thanks to American Eagle, Aerie, and Special Olympics, Inc. for including our great athletes in this opportunity.