I had a free spot in Deadwood with friends and it would have been my second Sturgis experience. BUT months ago, I committed to something much bigger and I had no idea how big. I came across something on the Special Olympics World Games - 2015. I had no experience with them but they were looking for volunteers and I could not think of a better cause so I filled out the volunteer application, submitted to a background check and attended training both in person and via the internet. Great news, I'm neither a convicted felon nor a child predator!
They asked how much time I could spare and I said that if they were going to send me downtown, give me long days to minimize my travel time. That lead to a week of 12 -14 hour days.
I did get a free pass on the Metrolink Train. I've run law firms and managed real estate portfolios. So, I was assigned to be a Table Tennis Athletes and Officials Assistant (minion).
It was the best week I've ever had because I worked directly with the Athletes and Coaches (Saints)! 
I shagged ping pong balls, found athletes and escorted them to their matches and later medals and helped maintain the competition area. I speak and understand some French which was no help. I know a couple of sign words but quickly learned valuable "smile, gesture, wink, hug and high five" language. Sometimes it was absolute pandemonium! But in the end and really from the first few minutes, I received far more than I gave. Far, far more!
So, ladies and gentlemen, if you ever get a chance to do something like this, no matter what you have to give up. Please do it! I promise you'll be happily walking on air!
Table Tennis venue at the Los Angeles Convention Center:
First day singles competitors with a liason (teal) and scorekeeper (purple). The shorter young man is from Indonesia. His name is "Rocky Rocky." I called him "Rocky Balboa" and you should have seen his face light up. Both of them could beat any of us, by the way.
Doubles Competition!
Post game.
Medals Ceremony!
Proud Medal Winners! One of my Athletes kept saying to me, "Nice hat!" They were pretty cool so I gave it to him. Soon after, another got my pack as a souvenir. They wanted my shirt but I did not have anything else to put on.
Some Of The Finest People I've Ever Had The Privilege To Work With.
Thanks for looking at my unabashed plug for Special Olympics! If I ever get to do something like this again, I'm dragging all of my friends with me because I know they'll / you'll love it. Promise!
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Topic: How I Spent My Sturgis Vacation (Read 8207 times)