March - Hitting the Slopes!

Sounds like fun, huh! A little skiing in March? Not this Gal; last time I went skiing, I broke a fence, literally, with my forehead. While March did bring Michelle and I to the slopes, there was everything but skiing planned for us.

The special olympics is a wonderful event that gives challenged individuals the opportunity to participate in sport competitions amongst their peers. It encourages strength and courage, while promoting self-confidence and camaraderie for the athletes. So I was thrilled to volunteer at the Powder Ridge events. I applied some time in January or February using the simple form provided online. I found that each state has a website for their special olympic events. Here is the one for Connecticut. I received an email letting me know that my application was received and I would receive my assignment when the event date was closer. About two weeks prior to the event, Michelle and I texted everyday, “Did you get your assignment?” “Nothing!” Michelle had an idea to contact a friend who knew someone, who knew someone. Finally, an assignment hit our inbox. The lesson here is to follow-up on your application if you don’t get hear anything. We were both assigned to backup time-keepers and runners. Omg! We are back up time-keepers and runners!…..wait….what does that mean?!

The day of the event, we met in the parking lot, entered the lodge to check in, and grab a free donut, and coffee. Soon after, we met up with the crowd that was receiving instructions on who to meet with for our education session. We were assigned to a very energetic, Nicki. Man, she could haul it up and down that slushy slope in her boots! We were given a quick overview of the backup time-keeper and runner role, how to use the stop-watches, when to click start and stop, and what to do with the time. There was a handful of us, so one of us was sure to catch the time if the computer failed. Ok we are ready!

While we waited for the races to start, we found ways to help. The finish line had to be set up with orange fencing, a lot of orange fencing. I picked up a drill to go through the snow and ice, Michelle picked hefted a huge roll of fencing, and we headed toward someone that looked in charge to get orders. We were told where to drill and place the fencing, a lot of fencing. Not long after we were done, another person came over and said to move the fence out 5 feet or so. So working with others, we pulled up the fence, drilled and replanted the fence, a lot of fence. Guess what? Soon after, another person showed up and told us to move out the fence to be in line with some wooden poles further up the mountain. So for the third time, the fence was moved, did I say a LOT of fence! I was sweating, great exercise for sure.

At one point I heard a voice announcing, “Did anyone loose a hankie?” I looked up and this woman was holding up my dainty, fancy, crocheted hanky by the corner. “That would be mine”, I said And just like that, a new friendship! We had so much fun all day!

The races were getting ready to start. I went into the little shed in front of the finish line to assume position for back-up timer. I soon found myself as back-up timer and recorder at the same time! When our announcer ran completed score sheets to the awards tent, I grabbed the microphone to announce the athletes as they crossed the finish line. Talk about multi-tasking!

The real impressive action though, was the athletes. These individuals were amazing in their skills, determination, strength, courage, and beautiful characters. Their goal was to finish their run above all. There were falls, but these brave athletes would give everything they had to get back up and complete their run. Even if disqualified, they wanted to see that finish line. As they crossed between those flags of glory, their arms sprang above their head with an enthusiastic smile. One athlete that make a memorable impression I will call K. She came flying down that mountain all crouched down with her poles tucked under her arms pointing straight behind her. She passed through the finish line and kept going until she crashed into the orange net fence. K was not hurt thank goodness, and as she was being untangled from the fence, she asked, “What was my time?” K made her second run with the same incredible speed, but spared the fence this time! Another athlete that just made me smile was the one that came down the mountain taking his time and singing out loud for all to hear, “Take me home, country road…”. He was just enjoying his moment in time and we all enjoyed it with him!

For the advanced run, I worked as a gate-keeper. Since Michelle ended up gate-keeping for most of the time, you can read her blog for the highlights of that position! When we packed up and left for the day, we were exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. We had a great day giving back on the mountain at Powder Ridge.