Special Olympics Connecticut Global Messenger

John Woods

My first experience with the Special Olympics came about 14 years ago when my friend Theresa McSparran, now known as my better half, asked me to be a one on one volunteer. Two years later Laurie Jean Hannon invited me to become a Sports Official in a new program called Special Olympics Official Programs for Athletes (SOOPA), and have participated in three world games as a SOOPA official.

Special Olympics have helped me to meet new friends and develop new relationships; some from North Carolina and Ireland where the last two World Games were held. One of the most rewarding experiences was to award medals at the 1999 World Games in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Also, I loved seeing Ireland in all it's glory first hand. There are so many memories I can't describe them briefly. Special Olympics are a very rewarding activity for me and you should try volunteering, I promise you it will be a very rewarding experience for you as well.

*John Woods with fellow Global Messenger Theresa McSparran