ADAPT Hosts Visit from Special Olympics Ohio

Tara Williams (left) talks about her Special Olympics experiences as Kate Burdett of Special Olympics Ohio looks on.

AEP’s ADAPT Employee Resource Group sponsored a visit from Special Olympics Ohio representatives May 24 at AEP Headquarters. The lunch and learn meeting provided an opportunity to learn more about the non-profit organization and volunteer opportunities with the group.

Kate Burdett, director of marketing, Tara Williams, athlete leader, and Katelyn Beno, special events manager, attended the ADAPT event.

Jim Brosnahan, ADAPT chair, spoke about the organization’s value to him and his son, Jimmy, who is involved in Special Olympics track, basketball and bowling. “Special Olympics is not just about the activities and sports. Over the years, you develop connections with the people involved that really makes them like an extended family,” he said.

The annual State Summer Games are held on the campus of The Ohio State University, Burdett said. That event will draw 2,500 athletes from across the state competing in 11 track and field events on June 22-24. But it’s just one part of a year-long cycle of athletic events organized by Special Olympics.

“We have Special Olympics events happening every day of the year, from practices to events, and volunteers are needed at all levels,” Burdett said.

The organization is run almost entirely by volunteers, with more than 12,000 individuals donating their time to help. Volunteering can involve coaching and sports training, officiating, helping with fundraising, chaperoning, organizational and administrative work, or just cheering on and encouraging the athletes, she said. No special training is required, although volunteers must submit an application form.

Williams has been involved in Special Olympics for 27 years. She will be competing in golf at the National Special Olympics Games in Seattle in July. Over the years, the Hilliard, Ohio, resident has been involved in many sports and now focuses on golf and tennis.

Special Olympics Ohio has approximately 200 local member organizations. It supports more than 23,000 adults, youth and children with cognitive, developmental or learning disabilities who are in training and competition.

PSO hosts Oklahoma State Games event

Public Service Company of Oklahoma employees, along with family members, friends and retirees, have been involved in the Special Olympics Oklahoma State Summer Games for 33 years. PSO annually stages the softball throw event in the summer games. This year, 103 volunteers from AEP and PSO helped at the games held May 17-18 at the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. The state games hosted more than 5,000 athletes. Tracy Weldon coordinated the volunteer effort this year.