KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Summer Olympics are less than a year away in Paris. The Tri-Cities are getting ready to host the Special Olympics. In order for the games to run smoothly, The Arc said they are in need of some help from the community.
Kobe Bower the Special Olympics Coordinator with The Arc of Tri-Cities said it took over hosting the games in 2019 and said she’s excited to be able to create a space where everyone is included.
Bower said the games have grown which means the need for volunteers has also grown and they need more.
“We have probably about 800 athletes that come in from all over Washington that come in with their families and their coaches,” said Bower. “Of course, with more athletes competing and with everything getting bigger, We rely on the community to be able to put on these games.”
Bower said without volunteers, athletes wouldn’t be able to compete.
Bower said all it takes is one time volunteering to realize how amazing everyone involved with Special Olympics is. She said if you’ve never volunteered before, it’s not a problem.
They will train you and make sure you’re ready for whatever event you’re volunteering for.
Elizabeth has been competing with Special Olympics for a while. She said she competes in Basketball and Bowling and says Bowling is her favorite. Elizabeth said she’s grateful for the help of the community because it has given her and others like her a chance to do what they love.
Bower said to put it in perspective, in order to successfully put on this event, they need people.
“1000 volunteers that we use,” Bower said.
According to Bower, they are still a couple of hundred volunteers short, but the community has actually stepped up to help as best they could.
Elizabeth has a message for those thinking about volunteering.
“Come help us out and win,” she said.
