When those inspiring athletes claim their Paralympic Games
victories, they will
celebrate under the watchful eyes of 70 Georgia 4-H’ers who
volunteered to help with
the Games.
“4-H is the only youth organization recruited to work at
any event,” said
Jennie Jordan, 4-H and youth specialist with the University of
Georgia Extension Service
“That alone shows a lot of what people believe about
4-H," Jordan said. "After all, 4-H is an international
organization, just like
the Paralympics.”
The Paralympic Games is the second largest sporting event in
the world. It’s second
only to the Olympics.
Disabled athletes from more than 100 countries will compete
in 17 events in and around
Atlanta Aug. 19-23.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for our 4-H’ers because
the Paralympics
always follow the Olympics at the same site,” Jordan said.
Georgia 4-H’>ers
have been learning about the Games since 4-H Council, a
statewide event last June at the
Rock Eagle 4-H Center.
The event was dedicated to the Paralympic Games. Competing
athletes made speeches. And
they simulated events that helped 4-H’ers see the skill and will
of these world-class athletes, Jordan said.
“These athletes are so inspiring," she said. "We
think it’s important
for the 4-H’ers to
be a part of these events. They can see and meet people who have
never let adversity slow
them down.”
The 4-H’ers will
work at three venues: the equestrian events at the International
Horse Park in Conyers,
basketball in the Omni in Atlanta and shooting sports at Wolf
Creek.
They will be ushers, ticket-takers, cleanup crew, escorts and
concession stand workers.
They will be housed at Camp Fulton, a 4-H camp in Atlanta.
Jordan will accept applications from 4-H’ers through April 1.
The cost for meals, rides, rooms and other expenses is
$75.
Adult volunteers are also needed. Get applications from the
county Extension office.
“This is one of the most inspirational events our 4-H’ers
will ever see,” Jordan said. “We’re also a little bit selfish. We
want to show off to the world the incredible kids we have in the
Georgia 4-H program.”
