Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Without our volunteers, we’d never be able to provide competition, leadership, health and so many other opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Holly Gaddy, Bedford County Mentor and Program Manager, for being named our Volunteer of the Month for June 2023!
Holly began her journey with Special Olympics Pennsylvania 12 years ago when her son Davis, 20, turned 8-years-old. She went from Special Olympics parent to various volunteer roles and eventually to Program Manager and Mentor. From the moment she and Davis attended their first floor hockey event, they were hooked. She’s pictured with her children, Davis, Jamieson & Bellamy.
We took a minute to catch up with Holly about her time with Special Olympics, what it’s like to be a Program Manager, how she approaches mentorship and so much more. Congratulations, Holly, on this well-deserved award!
I loved watching my son [Davis] compete. He got to do Floor Hockey in his first year and the excitement, the whole atmosphere, everybody had such a good time. I just wanted to learn more about it. I wanted to be there for the athletes and make those friendships. Then, it turned into more of a family atmosphere. It’s one of those things you can’t get away from.
The first time my son won his first medal, that was something we’ll always remember. Just seeing his face. He was actually able to play sports and he had support, coaches and teammates cheering him on, that’s something I’ll never forget. The look in his eyes and smile on his face.
I see a lot of athletes who, they don’t have a person in their life. Whether or not they live by themselves or maybe in a group home, it’s not always a situation where they have that person they can count on and rely on. Whether or not they have a problem in their home life, or getting to practice, or just need a shoulder to cry on — somebody to be there for them. Whatever they need, I want to be there and support them with that.
I’ve sat in the emergency room with athletes because family wasn’t there. I’ve had athletes who I went to doctor’s appointments with to help them understand what the doctor was saying. I had one athlete who tried to kill himself. He needed someone to talk to. He needed to let it out. There wasn’t that support system.
In terms of being a mentor, when [Davis] needs help writing speeches, practicing what he’s going to say, I’ll help him. We’ll come up with talking points and things to do. I help out with all the Global Messengers. Maybe they need help with bigger words or understanding what certain things mean. I have an athlete who doesn’t read at all, but I’m helping her to learn to read and write.
I’ve got athletes who look to me when they need help. They’re not used to talking in front of people. I just tell them, ‘Breathe. We’ll get through this together.’ I’m up there with them, giving them that little tiny push so they can get out of their comfort zone and I’m letting them know they’re the ones that can do it.
In Bedford County, I wouldn’t say we’re a large program, but we’re not very small either. We’re close-knit. We travel pretty far to come to practice, but that’s just dedication to Bedford, it’s camaraderie. We took in Cambria and Blair County for Floor Hockey and we all came together to be one team. That’s what we like to be known as — once you’re in you’re one of us.
The nominations for Holly were nothing short of sensational. Here’s what tons of fantastic people had to say about our latest Volunteer of the Month:
My mom does everything. She is a coach and the manager. She drives athletes to practice and home. She is always a [Head of Delegation] to.
Davis Gaddy
Holly is amazing strong person she is lovely. She always make sure everyone is having fun. Doing what they do best. Holly also plays long with others when they go out do things. Holly always make sure everything is done right. Holly gets long with anyone. She has a bright mind don’t let anyone bring her down. She loves kids and everyone she works with.
Brittany Martin
She is always doing things for others. Picks athletes up for practice and takes them home. Helps coach, takes time to mentor, and listen to everyone. Always willing to help however she can.
Priscilla Gaddy
My wife spends so much of her time doing everything for her athletes and program. She works tirelessly for competitions. She takes other athletes to things as their mentor even though she is also our sons mentor. She loves her athletes and strives to give them the opportunities they deserve.
Roy Gaddy
Holly is a hard worker and fantastic with the group of individuals she serves. She’s dedicated and truly cares about the people and the community.
Christina Talley
Holly is constantly thinking of ways to help make our athletes lives the fullest they can be on and off the playing fields. She is always putting others before herself and would give her shirt off her back or her last morsel of food if it meant you were full and warm.
Danielle Imler
She is super dedicated to what she does. She loves helping others and works super hard.
Jenn Jason
She always goes above and beyond for her athletes!
Heather Walstrom
Holly participates in volunteer as every event that Special Olympics has. She is always there when you need her and will do anything to help with Special Olympics. It has been an honor working as a coach with her.
Bob Imler
Holly is very dedicated and puts her heart in all she does.
Layla Rivera
She is very dedicated. She also works very hard.
Abby Ernst
