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Volunteers aid Special Olympics year round

Contributed by: Debbie Batteiger/YourHub.com on 11/14/2006

Many teenagers in their spare time work part-time or hang out at the mall,
but Theo Robinson can add volunteerism to his list of accomplishments
when he leaves high school.

Theo, a 16-year-old attending Bayside High School in South Brevard County
and one of the members of the Sebastian-based swimming Treasure Coast
Conquistadors, is one of the volunteers that who assisted in coaching swimming at Indian River County's Special Olympics this year.

"Working on the swim team was really fun," he said. "You learn so much about yourself, and it's a good feeling when the team does well."

Kathleen Hillcoat, swim coach and member of the Volunteer Management
Team for Indian River County Special Olympics, said Theo and other volunteers like him are what keep the program going.

"Theo is a wonderful guy," Hillcoat said. "The kids really took a liking to him, and he was very conscientious."

Theo, along with many other volunteers, worked with Indian River County Special Olympics participants for several months before the State Aquatic Championships last month.

"We were working since the beginning of summer, and they really trained hard," Theo said. "Some of the team were really hard-core."

Theo was one of more than 500 volunteers who helped coach participants at
the state championships, held at the North County Aquatic Center in Sebastian.

Hillcoat said Theo's swimming skills helped his team earn a gold, silver and
bronze in every event except one.

"Theo's a great swimmer, and he added so much to the experience for these kids," she said. "I was lucky to have him." Theo said it was rewarding working
with Special Olympics, and he feels a sense of pride when he talks about volunteering with the organization.

"There's this one kid who is the fastest freestyler - he came in second place this year, but I know next year he'll come in first," he said.

Hillcoat said volunteers like Theo help Special Olympics year round. According to Hillcoat, all volunteers must apply and are subject to a background check done by the state of Florida.

"The background check is done, and we are sent a report determining what
level participation the volunteer can be," she said.

Not all volunteers are coaches at the Special Olympics - some help with fundraising, public relations or computer skills.

For information on Special Olympics in Indian River County, call (772)
778-6400, visit www.sofl.org or e-mail soiriver@gmail.com.


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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
Submitted By: Steve Jones
posted on 11/27/2006 @ 6:19:54 AM
(Not Rated)
Thanks for this report about Theo's involvement w/ the special Olympics. I'm encouraged by the example of this young man. Way to go, Theo. Keep leading the way!
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Submitted By: Hollis Hoier
posted on 11/16/2006 @ 2:47:34 PM
Rated Story
Youth like Theo are what "It takes a community to raise a child" is all about. He shows us that there are great future leaders out there... he is a fine example of 'the right stuff!' Such an unselfish, giving young gentleman is Theo. HH, SRHS Teacher
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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
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