Special Olympics, Haerbin

From July 29 to August 4, over 1,400 athletes gathered in Haerbin to participate in the 2006 China National Special Olympic Games. The athletes are special children with special needs; but they are also strong competitors striving to be number one. To help them meet their goals, 170 Amway volunteers from North China and East China have shared their time and talents preparing them for their events.

Most of the athletes attend special schools. One month before the game, the volunteers visit their schools and provide them with track suits, first-aid kits, travel packs and basketballs that they would otherwise not be able to afford. The volunteers also act as mentors, attending practice with the athletes.

On the opening day of the Games, Amway sponsored 120 vehicles to transport the athletes from the athlete village to the game field. Volunteers accompanied them, providing encouragement and support. Amway volunteers made sure that each attendee would have a program – 30 of them spent hours distributing 7,000 of them on the seats in the gym.

Volunteers from Jiangsu province cared for the athletes staying in the village during the competition. They woke the children up in the morning, helped them to set up their beds, took them to breakfast, guided them to the sports field, assisted the coaches and watched their performance, cheering them on every step of the way.

A twelve-year old athlete whispered to a volunteer that he had been practicing his swimming for the past four years in pursuit of the gold medal. When he won the silver in the 100-meter backstroke, the volunteer’s heart ached for him. As he tried to find words to comfort him, the little athlete smiled at him and said, “I am sure to win the gold medal next time!”
 
When one athlete learned that he was a winner, he was so exited that he couldn’t help wetting his pants. When he was called to accept his medal, he was too embarrassed to step onto the medal podium. His volunteer friend encouraged him, saying, “It’s nothing. I used to wet the bed when I was a teenager.” The athlete smiled, and was able to accept his medal with pride.

When the Amway volunteers left the athlete village, many athletes came out to wave goodbye, saying farewell to their good friends.

Amway volunteers’ great contributions impressed the organizers and all participants. Mr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of World Special Olympics wrote, “Thanks to Amway Special Olympic volunteers - Champions All!”

“Let me win. But if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This Special Olympics athlete oath inspired more than just the participants at the Summer Games – it inspired our volunteers. Because the children they supported didn’t just say the oath… they lived it.