TWIM Members Volunteer at Washington State Special Olympics NW Regionals!

by Dan Underbrink

Saturday, April 21 saw the Washington State Special Olympics NW Regional Swim Meet being held at the King County Aquatic Center, in Federal Way. This event requires literally hundreds of volunteers and several TWIM members attended in a variety of volunteer roles. Three pools were in play at the Games. Two were for traditional timed swimming heats, and the third was for water walking, coach-assisted, and other events.

**The King County Aquatic Center – Ready for Special Olympics action!**

Coaching

There were a bunch of teams at this event and all of them need coaches and assistant coaches. TWIM’s Scott Neuhaus has been working with one of these groups as an assistant coach. Scott told me he has been having a great time working with (and working out with!) his group of swimmers.

**Scott Neuhaus, counting laps for one of his swimmers in the 500 Meter Freestyle**

Officials

Dozens of officials were present at this meet, ensuring that all events were conducted properly and fairly. Holly Lickwala and Brent Barnes from TWIM, were there in this critical role.

**Here’s Holly Lickwala, officiating at one of the three pools**

**Brent Barnes was a lane judge at one of the competition pools**

Timers

Lane timers also fulfill a crucial need at this meet and the WSSOs require a LOT of timers! There were two competition pools running simultaneously during the entire meet. Two timers are required for each lane. With 16 lanes, that means 32 timers are needed at all times! TWIM made a minor dent in this major initiative by fielding three timers for the morning session. The TWIM timers were Holly and Brent’s sons; Joshua and Nathan, and your author for this piece, Dan Underbrink.

**Your author for this article, Dan Underbrink – I was there to help out with timing**

**Holly and Brent’s sons, Nathan and Joshua, timed a lane together for about five hours**

Marshals

TWIM did not have anyone at this event helping out with marshalling, but this is yet another crucial function which requires a fair number of volunteers. The marshals help organize the swimmers, making sure each swimmer arrives at the pool edge for their heat – and in the correct lane!

What’s really important?

This event is really a celebration of these athletes and their accomplishments. TWIM members are happy to contribute, each in our own small way, to making these events a great experience for these athletes!

How can I get Involved?

The Washington State Special Olympics Spring State Games are being held on June 8, 2024, again at the King County Aquatic Center. A group of TWIM volunteers is registering now for these Spring Games. New TWIM Board of Directors member, Emily Castillo, is spearheading this effort. Thank you, Emily!

One more thought

I was timing alongside a young lady named Ellie. She was there to help of course, but she was also able to apply these hours to volunteer hours requirements for her school’s Honor Society. Do you have teen-agers who need volunteer hours? This is a great way for a young person to give back and log a bunch of volunteering hours in one sitting. TWIM team members aren’t only the swimmers! We invite your family members to join us too, as part of the TWIM effort!