“We want these volunteers to reach deeper into the community,” said Tim Petrea, the Haywood County Coordinator of Special Olympics. “The thought by many is that Special Olympics is just one day a year. Actually, it is much, much more, and the more community support we get the more we can do.”

Petrea wants to have a Summer Games in June, Winter Games in January, an Equestrian Tournament in August and also hopes to find athletes to participate in the Fall Tournament in Raleigh.

In order to make the expanded programming successful, Petrea has planned several meetings over the next few weeks to recruit volunteers and plan for future events. Future meetings in addition to the Jan. 16 Local Program Committee meeting include a 6 p.m. meeting on Jan. 23 and at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 13, both at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Any volunteers or potential coaches are encouraged to attend.

For the spring/summer season specifically, Petrea has a need for coaches to help with aquatics, track and field, bowling, cycling, gymnastics, power lifting, softball skills and volleyball. 

In addition to adult volunteers (over 18 years of age), Special Olympics is seeking Counselors in Training (ages 13-15) who want to work with school age children in summer and seasonal day camps. To be considered, potential counselors must attend the Outdoor Leadership Training in June. Petrea said this is a great opportunity for mature youths looking for references and volunteer hours.

Committee positions include:

• Competitive Chairperson — Will recruit and manage a team of volunteers for each competitive event. 

• Family Chairperson — Will work year-round to increase family involvement with Special Olympics and to increase community awareness.

• Fundraising Chairperson — Will work year-round to develop and implement projects to raise money to support the local Special Olympics programs.

• Outreach Chairperson — Will develop plans and activities to bring more support and participants to the program.

• Public Relations and Education Chairperson — Will increase community awareness and promote capabilities of persons with intellectual disabilities.

• Training Chairperson — Work to ensure year-round quality training opportunity for athletes by working with schools, coaches, officials and others. 

• Volunteer chairperson — Establish and monitor volunteer recruitment, training and evaluation.

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Special Olympics Local Program Committee Meeting

• 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at Waynesville Recreation Center

• For information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.