I haven’t been to a real Special Olympics event locally because some of the school I used to be connected with were not participants. My experience with Special Olympics, however, were quite unique from the real event. When I was still in college, I was a member of a non-governmental, non-profit organization called Pagkakaisa Volunteers Inc. (PVI) now known as PVI Foundation Inc. I was able to attend three of the Kamp Pagkakaisa 10-day Summer for special children. One of the highlights of the activities there was the Special Olympics Day PVI style. Instead of the usual sports for children, we had fun games like obstacle course, palo-sebo (going up a tall bamboo pole in order to get a prize on top) and other games my mind can’t seem to remember right now. Sigh.

I have learned a lot about volunteerism, not just about special children but about myself and how I can do small things happen without trying too hard and without too much resources. I learned about doing things for others without expecting to be paid in monetary equivalence. I have learned to share, to appreciate and live with others who have limitations. After all, I too have limitations which I hope others would appreciate too.

P.S. Hubby has been encouraging me to teach children with special needs as a volunteer. I think this would be a good opportunity for me and I could even have my children help me out. We will see.