Around 15 Special Olympics athletes in Squamish may have to give up the "highlight of their lives" if volunteers don't come forward. Local Special Olympics co-ordinator Margie Newington said that the athletes have only one coach for their twice-weekly bowling and swim meets, and the handful of volunteers administrating the work can't keep up.
Newington herself has had to resign because she's unable put in the hours as program co-ordinator and maintain her career in real estate. "When I came on I just wanted to help out as a coach and there was a need for this position or else the whole thing in Squamish was going to fold, so that's when I jumped," said Newington. "I can't give it as much as it needs, and I would love to but I have to earn a living."
The team needs program and volunteer coordinators as well as male volunteers who can help athletes in the change room during swim meets. Newington said that this year's walkathon and donations from the local Home Hardware and McDonald's have made fundraising efforts very successful, but the funding goes toward uniforms, bowling and swimming fees and travel. There's no room in the budget for paid positions.
"It's strictly a volunteer organization."
Newington said she'll stay on as program co-ordinator until someone else steps in, but adds she can't do so indefinitely. "I would love to but I have to earn a living."
The teams meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to volunteer can reach Newington at 604-815-6825.
