Getting Out and Getting Involved – Special Olympics
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When I heard that Bozeman, Montana was hosting the state Special Olympics 2009 – 2011, I called Vicki Dunham, COO of the Special Olympics Montana (http://www.somt.org), to see if including Intermountain Therapy Animal teams (www.therapyanimals.org) might be a good collaboration. Although my dog and I have only been involved for a year and a half the opportunities for us to get out and volunteer as a team have been delightful. I felt strongly that other teams would feel the same, and they did. The ITA volunteers were delighted to learn that we had been invited and 18 teams quickly signed up for six 2-hour sessions.
What a magical experience to share our Registered Therapy Animals with this group of athletes, coaches and volunteers. All 18 dogs responded well to the love and attention they received from the many athletes, coaches and other volunteers. We had the privilege of meeting so many people who, each in their own way added to the wonderment of the Special Olympics.
The experience worked so well that ITA has been invited to participate in future Special Olympic events in Montana.
On a personal note, it is so helpful for me to be able to get out with Hunka and to bring joy to other people. As someone who lives with depression anything I can do to “get out of myself” is a bonus.
Pictured from left to right are Vicki Dunham, COO Special Olympics Montana, Carlye & Ginger, Alicia & Hunka, Jena & Lucy Liu.
