On Sunday, Nov. 18, Tigard High Key Club volunteered at 20th Century Lanes in Portland for the Special Olympics. About 50 Key Club and National Honors Society members met at the high school at 9:45 a.m. and took a bus to the bowling alley.
Two to three Tigard volunteers were assigned to every two lanes and had about eight Special Olympians bowling with them. The volunteers socialized with and encouraged the athletes during two games.
This is the first time in years Key Club has volunteered for the Special Olympics. Key Club adviser Jay Leet, who accompanied the students, said, “People have told me this experience has changed their life.”
Key Club vice president Rachel Ramirez was enthused to have Key Club help out at the Special Olympics. “I feel so fortunate to have gone today. Working with those athletes made my whole day. Those Olympians were so genuinely happy, and knowing we were making them even happier than they were was an amazing feeling,” Ramirez said.
Other members also enjoyed the experience, sophomore Sela Brazier says she had “such a great time at the Special Olympics… some of the happiest people I’ve ever met.”