Want to feel even better about Pickleball!?
We all know how Pickleball continues to grow in Anne Arundel County. The Club has recently been contacted by the Anne Arundel Special Olympics director asking for our help in getting a Pickleball program established for AASO athletes. As you may know, Special Olympics athletes compete in 26 different sports throughout the year and each season culminates with a full-weekend Olympics-style competition twice a year. AASO is looking to add pickleball to that list.
The APC Board has asked me to help initiate the program and suggested I reach out to members to volunteer to help. We will follow a similar program already in place in Howard County. The plan is to meet on 5 Monday evenings for 90 minutes. AASO is looking to begin June 12th I(f possible). The start time is tentatively 6:00pm. We are looking for 20 volunteers who are willing to serve as one-to-one volunteers to help the athletes learn, practice and most importantly enjoy the sport. Most likely, the event will be held at Lake Waterford Park, in Pasadena, and all the equipment has been secured. NOTE: it is possible that a different venue will be used, and we will update you on any changes.
For those interested in helping, all you need to bring is your paddle, a water bottle, and your knowledge and love of pickleball. If you could reply to me with your interest no later than June 5th, I’ll be putting together more details for you. Because we are working directly with the athletes, we will be required to complete these AASO pre-requisites listed here. It took me 20 minutes to complete the course, take the quiz and print and sign the forms.
[All volunteers are required to turn in a Volunteer Application, Communicable Disease Waiver and complete two short on-line courses, Protective Behaviors and Concussion training. The link for all can be found at www.somd.org, click on Coach, Coach Resources and scroll down to "Applications, Certifications and Other Forms.”
The volunteer and communicable disease waiver must have handwritten signatures.]
Volunteering with SO athletes in the past, I can tell you it means the world to the athletes and their families that people are willing to support them as they expand their world. And pickleball is a great way to do that. Thanks for your interest and your willingness to share your love of pickleball with the AASO athletes.
