HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) – The Madison County track and field event takes months of prep work and help from hundreds each year. And while the event is less than a week out, they are still in dire need of volunteers.
Event chairwoman Joni Haas said they need two volunteers per athlete, and with 535 participating, they are significantly short of the mark.
As of Tuesday, there are only 515 volunteers signed up.
Haas said they are in need of escorts, who will walk with the athlete from event to event. She said having two volunteers per athlete guarantees they are never left alone.
She has volunteered with Special Olympics for more than 20 years, she said volunteering your time means a lot to these athletes and their families.
“They always come in with smiles,” she said. “Then you take your athlete to their events and you watch them compete. They get out there and they run, they get their ribbon, and then they’re even happier. It’s just a day where you leave with a smile.”
The track and field event is on October 21, and Haas said anyone 17 and older can volunteer. You will need to be at the stadium by 8 a.m. and stay until your athlete is finished with their activities. Haas said this is usually around 1 p.m.
If you are interested in volunteering, Haas said you can sign up through the Special Olympics Facebook page, where they have a sign up genius.
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