Sports
Richmond Firefighters Association presented Richmond Special Olympics with a $500 donation during the inaugural basketball exhibition Sunday at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Photos by Chung Chow
Firefighters support Special Olympics
They kept score, but nobody noticed.
Instead their focus was squarely on the
participants as members of the Richmond Firefighters Association teamed with
Richmond Special Olympics athletes in the inaugural basketball exhibition
Sunday at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
In an inspiring and unforgettable display of
sportsmanship and inclusion, the firefighters and Special Olympians lined up
side by side in a series of games. Smiles and true sportsmanship triumphed.
The exhibition was organized by the
firefighters, headed by Chris Vanderwel.
“The Richmond Firefighters Association’s idea
to support the Richmond Special Olympics is (the result of) a collaborative
conversation about investing in our community, athletics, and supporting
athletes with intellectual disabilities,” explains Vanderwel. “Along with our
Richmond Firefighters Charitable Society, our organization has supported
Richmond Special Olympics in the past. This event is now another opportunity
for us to engage with these inspirational athletes.”
The Richmond Firefighters Association has a
long history of extending helping hands. Last weekend, members welcomed the
opportunity to do so again.
In the first of what organizers hope becomes
an annual event, more than 14 firefighters shared the spotlight with 28 local
Special Olympics athletes.
Committed to serving its community, the
Richmond Firefighters Association greatly values respect and inclusion for all.
Its sponsorship of this event allowed free admission and participation for all
Richmond Special Olympics athletes and their families.
“Our shared goal is to make this an
inclusive, fun, family-oriented event,” says Vanderwel. “To make this event an
annual success, we need to get the word out to the community to come and be a
part of this amazing experience. We see this event growing by involving our
community alongside the athletes and firefighters.”
Vanderwel says members of the Richmond
Firefighters Association are also thankful for the support from the Richmond
Olympic Oval to use the space.
“Without support of great facilities like
this, our events cannot happen,” he says. “And future corporate involvement is
important to provide opportunities and events for Richmond Special Olympics
athletes.”
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