Welcome to Eircom Special Olympics

Volunteers' Diaries

Media Volunteer: Helen Woods

Town: Banbridge (Co. Down)

This has to be the Waiting Room to Heaven I am residing in at the minute as my experience gets better and better everyday. Today I shadowed Margaret Ward from RTE.

The first task was to link in with the Irish Volunteers who originally came from China, I was moved when Jing Jing Qian said that volunteering with Special Olympics Ireland was one of the best things he had done and how it has been a great integrative tool. Jing Jing stated “When I was fundraising I completed a Bag Pack in a local Supervalu and I couldn’t believe how many people spoke to me when I put on the Green T shirt and how friendly people are to Special Olympics”

We then moved on to Shanghai Pudong Natatorium to watch the Irish athletes compete in Aquatics. We got to catch up with Teresa McCabe Head Coach of Aquatics and she was able to give us a great breakdown of the Events ahead.

Ruth Swann from the Ripples SOSC Craigavon was first up and I suppose with me representing the Ulster Volunteers bias played a big part!! I was able to squeeze in beside her Mum and the other Irish Supporters so as you can imagine it was far from quiet and here Helen Woods was in the midst of Ruth fulfilling one of her Dreams – Ye ha hey.

The Competition began and Ruth bounced off the board with so much energy and enthusiasm staying a steady third on the first 25m and then pushing her way up to second in the last 20m, the atmosphere was electric and crowd euphoric encouraging Ruth right to the end!!! Ireland got Silver and I was standing near one of the proudest Mummy’s of the Day Carol Swann the very proud Mother of the Inspirational Ruth Swann!!

Back to Volunteers Diaries