On Saturday, September 28, Key Club students were scheduled to volunteer at the Special Olympics along the Whitehall Township Parkway which helped raise money to support children with special needs.

To the disappointment of Key Club members, the Special Olympics organization did not need any more volunteers, but students were encouraged to participate.

Some were paired with a “buddy” to walk alongside with, others participated in the 5K on their own by either walking or running.

“One good thing I’ve heard about Special Olympics is that anybody can start,” said the mother of a Special Olympics athlete about the special needs children who participate.

The athletes aren’t the only ones who are benefiting; volunteers are too. Mr. Beaupre, who has been leading Key Club at the high school for many years, has seen the positive effects on his students. “Kids really get a lot out of it, they want to go back every year,” said Mr. Beaupre.

The Special Olympics organization started in 1985 and has grown throughout the years. The organization offers a wide range of sports. Bowling has been the most popular event amongst the Lehigh Valley participants.

Any age is welcome to participate in the events. Athletes can range anywhere from age seven to 60 according to Harry Schwartz, the county manager.

Every sport and event solely focuses on the athlete. They are individual events, and everyone earns a ribbon.

“Everything we do for the county is for the athlete,” said Schwartz.

The Lehigh Valley chapter of the Special Olympics program has a population of approximately 300,000 people. Roughly 20,000 of those associated with the organization are eligible to participate in the Olympics. Special needs children are considered as those who qualify for an IEP or 504 plan within their school district.

“A lot of people don’t know we exist. We need good networking,” Schwartz said.

For example, parents talk to other parents about the Special Olympics at speech therapy appointments.

In addition, “people like [Key Club volunteers] help make this program successful,” Patty Feninez, volunteer PR coordinator, said.

The volunteers for this organization are not paid. “At the county level we are all volunteers,” Schwartz said.

The Special Olympics has big plans for the future and plans on continuing to get word out about their organization. For more information on how to volunteer or donate go to www.specialolympicslehighcounty.org.