My Volunteer Experience – Special Olympics World Games 2015

DSC04523 By Mike Hamada, KF6UCN,

After the W6TRW Swap Meet on the last Saturday in July, I prepared for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, as a volunteer for 5 days (35 hours).

Briefing was on Thursday, 7/23. On Sunday, 7/26, I assisted Spectator Services at the Special Olympics World Games Sailing practice event held at Belmont Pier in Long Beach.  I had my Marine Hand Held, which I purchased at the W6TRW Swap Meet for the monitoring of emergency channels and weather channels.

On Tuesday, 7/28 through Friday, 7/31, I had to be at Long Beach Marine Stadium at 06:30.  I worked as a Team Lead Person for Spectator Services, assisting with any safety issues, crowd management issues, and Spectator Services issues.  I was also responsible for making sure Spectator Services personnel had water, snacks, and shift breaks, similar to what I do for the W6TRW Swap Meet.

Long Beach Fire Dept. was called on the last day and was requested to arrive on the Support Services side, since it was closer to the Medical Tent.   I saw the Long Beach Fire Dept. arrive, then another Long Beach Fire Engine arrived from the opposite direction.  I notified all personnel on the radios that Long Beach Fire was also approaching from my location.  Everything worked out and the Special Olympics World Games Awards Ceremony continued.

The spectators and athletes had a good time and it was a fun event for me.  I used what I learned from previous Special Olympics So Cal events, W6TRW Swap Meet events, and various South Bay City and County events.

73, Always Have a Back Up Plan.

Be Prepared.

 

Mike Hamada

KF6UCN

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