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Volunteering has always been a passion, usually either with the Red Cross team at charity or social events. Last month, I get the opportunity to do something extraordinary. I volunteered for the 2008 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce Competition in Brunei Darussalam. Never did I imagine I would have the opportunity to work hands-on with the athletes.
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Special Olympics Philippines delegation at the bocce competition in Brunei Darussalam |
The liaison officers had prepared a welcoming gift to give to the athletes. For the Special Olympics Philippines delegation, we gave the athletes a little pillow-like gift with a print-out of the flags of both Brunei and the Philippines.
Despite the horrible lines and lack of sleep, volunteering for this event was a great experience for which I would never trade anything. The friends we made along the way, the knowledge we gained and the exposure we had was well worth it.
Many of us have greater advantages than the athletes, but also many of us have failed to reach our true potential. The athletes have achieved more than I previously had thought possible. Despite their disability, they traveled the world to compete. They showed us what they can do, yet many of us without a disability would be hesitant to do the same. I would be more than happy to volunteer for this event again.
— Dk Dewi Sariaini Pg Hj Sarpuddin, Special Olympic Brunei Darussalam volunteer
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