MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–More than 60 credit union employees from across Rhode Island volunteered their time to assist, escort and cheer on hundreds of athletes at the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games held recently at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston.
Special Olympics Rhode Island Executive Director Dennis DeJesus is grateful for the support the credit unions give each year. “The 48th annual Special Olympics Rhode Island State Summer Games were a major success—a celebration of acceptance, inclusion, respect, and dignity. Thank you to the credit unions of Rhode Island for your volunteer efforts, your generosity and most importantly, your advocacy for the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. You are a valuable member of our community.”
During the games, the volunteers served as “clerks” for the walking and running events, checking in the athletes, gathering them into heats for their races, escorting them to the track, and cheering them on as they compete.
Adele Moreau of Wave Federal Credit Union (Warwick), was the unofficial “hall monitor” for the day. A volunteer for nearly 20 years, she whooped it up with the athletes, giving high-fives and enthusiastic fist pumps as they made their way to the track.
“I truly, truly love watching the groups come down the hall,” said Moreau. “Seeing the athletes year-after-year gives me so much joy. I love cheering them on. It's just awesome and I wouldn't miss it.”
The interactions between volunteers and athletes were resoundingly positive, making for an unforgettable experience. “By the time you get them to the event they are competing in, you've already formed a special bond and you cheer them on with tears in your eyes,” said Denny, describing the experience many volunteers share.
This year's credit union volunteers included staff from Kent Hospital Federal Credit Union (Warwick), Navigant Credit Union (Smithfield), Rhode Island Credit Union (Providence), Westerly Community Credit Union (Westerly) and CUNA Mutual Group.
Additionally, 18 volunteers from Coventry Credit Union (Coventry) helped serve a barbecue lunch to the athletes and their guests on the closing day of the games.