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Special Olympics needs UMMS volunteers olympics_top
2011 Winter Games will start March 12 in Worcester

 Paulette Seymour Route
At the 2010 Special Olympics Winter Games in Worcester, GSN Dean Paulette Seymour Route performed a health screening at the Health Athletes initiative.
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games, which will take place at locations throughout Worcester on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13.

Volunteers of all ages and skills are welcome. UMMS students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in support of the UMass Medical School/Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) partnership, which aspires to the goal of improving health care access and quality for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Volunteer opportunities include score keeping, timing, first aid and cheering on the athletes. Those with clinical training can volunteer for the Healthy Athletes screenings. Those 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Worcester Academy has been designated as this year’s location for UMMS staff to volunteer together, although there are many other locations available for volunteering.Register online.

Online registration instructions:

1. Enter “UMMS” in the “Volunteer Group’s Name” box (in the “Group/School/Employer Information” section). To volunteer with your UMMS colleagues, select opportunities listed for Worcester Academy.
2. To volunteer as part of a team of family, friends or colleagues, your team must choose a team leader whose name should be entered into the “Volunteer Group Leader’s Name” box. The Team Leader name will ensure the team members are placed together.
3. Requests for specific accommodations should be indicated in the “Comments” box.
4. Medical professionals can volunteer for Healthy Athlete screenings: Physical Therapy Screening; Podiatry Screening; Health Promotion; and Hearing Screening.

To register by phone or e-mail, contact Elisabeth Nangle, Healthy Athletes Program Coordinator, at 508-485-0986, ext 223, or Elisabeth.Nangle@specialolympicsma.org.

Related links:

MMS and Special Olympics Massachusetts are partnering to improve health care access for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Volunteer online registration