Volunteers Help Special Olympians

Marion, Ind. (WISH) - Saturday, Special Olympics athletes from across the state will compete in sports such as swimming, flag football, and power-lifting.

For weeks, amazing volunteers have been working with the athletes to help them get ready for the games. Jason Blythe is one of those volunteers. For Blythe, there are few joys greater than this -- helping an athlete with intellectual disabilities enjoy the fun, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment that comes with playing a sport.

In Unified flag football, a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a partner without disabilities. Blythe is one of those partners - serving as part coach, part buddy, all heart.

They're preparing for the 2009 Special Olympics Indiana Fall Classic Saturday in Marion, Indiana.

For Sean Lyons, being a Special Olympian is about more than football..

"Sportsmanship, friendship, making lots of friends," said Lyons.

That's what this is what this is all about. And Blythe loves it as much as athletes he's helping. He says volunteering with these enthusiastic athletes is infectious..

"Just give it a chance. Once you do it, you'll see the smiles from some of these athletes, the excitement from them. You'll love it. You'll be hooked," said Blythe.

Giving, he says, goes both ways. Those who give of their time, talents, and energy get so much in return. And Special Olympians say their lives are made richer by having known volunteers like Blythe.

Asked what he's learned from Blythe, Lyons said "Don't give up. Just keep on going - reaching for the goals."

The 2009 Special Olympics Indiana Fall Classic will be held Saturday at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion. Competition will take place from 9 am until 6 pm.

Click here to learn more about the event.