Volunteers find Special Olympics rewarding

Published April 16, 2013
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As Keesler gears up to host the Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games for the 27th year, volunteer recruiting is in full swing. The games are slated for May 10-12.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of Special Olympics every year," said Maj. Tracy Snyder, 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, who is serving as the base's Special Olympics project officer for the second year. "There's no way to host an event of this size without volunteers in all aspects of the planning and execution. Sometimes individuals sign up, and other times an entire unit takes on a particular event - for instance, Keesler's Marine Corps Detachment takes charge of the bocce competition."

Keesler's Special Olympics organizing committee of about 40 members from across the base began meeting last October.

In 2012, more than 3,000 Keesler volunteers joined forces to make Special Olympics a success for more than 1,200 athletes and their coaches. This year, Sandra Brzovic, the base's volunteer coordinator, is working with Master Sgt. Anthony Barattini, an instructor supervisor in the 338th Training Squadron, to secure the volunteers needed to keep things rolling smoothly.

"It takes a lot of people to orchestrate the opening ceremony that welcomes our athletes and distinguished visitors to Keesler and prepare for the arrival of the Olympic torch," said Barattini, who is involved in Special Olympics for the third year. "The feeding tent is responsible for distributing food for all of our athletes. Most people are familiar with the games where volunteers help run the individual events. Lastly, there are huggers and cheerleaders that keep the event running on an emotional high."

The airman and family readiness center maintains a hotline, 376-7667, that people can call to volunteer their services.

"Additionally, committee leads are out recruiting from within their units," Barattini added.
One longtime Keesler volunteer, Jackie Pope, got involved with Special Olympics in 1998 when she was the base's volunteer coordinator. After a few years, she became the co-chair of the event and is now the "corporate knowledge" for the base's involvement with Mississippi Special Olympics. She now serves as a member of the state board of directors.

"Special Olympics is an awesome organization that gives athletes the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of competition and a venue to make new friends and achieve personal growth," Pope explained. "I've always said if someone volunteers once with Special Olympics, it gets into your blood and you become a lifelong volunteer. The smiles you witness during the weekend are priceless!"

Barattini pointed out several personal benefits from getting involved with this annual event.

"You get to be part of a tradition that is over 50 years old," he remarked. "You get to recognize the personal and team efforts put forth by the athletes. Lastly, you contribute to Team Keesler's efforts to support the community that supports us."

"Volunteer!" urged Barattini. "This is a great event that Keesler is able to get involved in, unlike other bases. We actually host the games and host the athletes here. What makes it a success is that the men and women of Keesler volunteer to do it every year."