Our SVP – Secondary Marketing Bob Selingo recently presented a check to North Suburban at a basketball practice for some of its athletes.
Most people know the Special Olympics as an annual event that allows individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in Olympic-style sports competitions. While this is a definitely a key part of it, the organization also provides year-round sports opportunities for the intellectually disabled.
Special Olympics has chapters in each of the United States as well as several other countries. There are 7 regions in our home state of Wisconsin that offer 18 different sports from soccer and basketball to gymnastics and skiing.
Within these regions exist local agencies, such as the North Suburban Special Olympics Agency, which is a subsect of the Greater Milwaukee region – the area that is home to our corporate headquarters in Pewaukee. These local agencies raise funds for both the organization at the state level and their own expenses, such as uniforms, facilities fees, transportation, and entry fees.
North Suburban has approximately 130 athletes participating in 11 different sports with about 40 coaches. Kevin Syzdel and Linda Brothen, pictured have been agency managers for some 30 years.
Bob has volunteered and served as a swim coach for the North Suburban Special Olympics for 10 years now. When asked about his participation, he echoes the sentiment shared by his fellow coaches: “I get back much more than I give. Special Olympics is part of my family.”
Special Olympics volunteers are categorized by one of two categories: Class A and Class B. Class A volunteers include coaches, chaperones, and agency management team members. These volunteers have to submit a formal application and complete a training course. Class B volunteers, on the other hand, are considered “day-of-event” volunteers. This includes sports officials, scorekeepers, or general event assistants.
Find Special Olympics volunteer opportunities in your area or make a donation.