Staff Spotlight: The Special Olympics Volunteer
When the goal is to make sports accessible to all, that’s where the Special Olympics comes in. Meet Johanna, Mortgage Loan Originator at BHFCU by day and Area Coordinator for Special Olympics in her free time.
Johanna’s journey with the Special Olympics began with a friend and a love of sports. Her friend was the Area Coordinator for Special Olympics and encouraged Johanna to volunteer. It didn’t take much convincing because her passion for sports runs deep.
Johanna shared a common misconception about who can get involved. You don’t have to have ties to the Special Olympics or be an athlete yourself to do good – anyone can volunteer. With a wide range of events spanning softball, track and field, swimming, bowling, and basketball throughout the year, there’s always something fun around the corner and in need of volunteers.
Johanna’s journey with the Special Olympics began with a friend and a love of sports. Her friend was the Area Coordinator for Special Olympics and encouraged Johanna to volunteer. It didn’t take much convincing because her passion for sports runs deep.
In 2022, when her friend stepped down, Johanna took the reigns as Area Coordinator. At many Special Olympics events, Johanna can be found busily working to ensure volunteers are in place and everything goes off without a hitch. But, in those free moments, she likes to sit in the stands and see firsthand the impact the athletes and volunteers have on one another.“I volunteer because I’m an athlete and I couldn’t imagine not being able to compete,” Johanna shared. “The Special Olympics does incredible work making many sports accessible to all types of athletes.”
Johanna shared a common misconception about who can get involved. You don’t have to have ties to the Special Olympics or be an athlete yourself to do good – anyone can volunteer. With a wide range of events spanning softball, track and field, swimming, bowling, and basketball throughout the year, there’s always something fun around the corner and in need of volunteers.
Are you interested in volunteering at an event? Start by checking out the opportunities online or email Cathy Grubb, Special Olympics Sports Director, for more information.“Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s having the better time, athletes or volunteers,” Johanna shared with a smile. “I didn’t have any personal ties to the organization when I started, and now I can’t imagine not being involved.”
May 2, 2025
Staff Spotlight
