POWERGRAMS

13 "I look forward to this event each year because it's a chance for me to give back in the community where I live." said Christopher, an APSO member for seven years. Southeast/Farley APSO members Lisa Roberts, Joni Hubbard and Julie Jennings helped the Special Olympics Rodeo at Chambers County Agricultural Center in LaFayette. Children from Lee, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties took part. A girl's rodeo team competed in roping, and there was calf roping and bull riding for boys. "This was our first year to help," said Roberts, Valley/ Langdale customer service representative. "It was great. We directed buses, monitored the children and handed out prize bags. "Seeing the smiles on kids' faces and knowing they had a fun day with their peers made it all worth it," Roberts said. "They were so excited to see the horses. They had a DJ playing a mix of dance music, everything from country to line dance, with upbeat music." Roberts and Valley/Langdale Customer Service Representative Jennings danced with the children. "We had a great time," Jennings said. "I can't wait to do it again next year." Every child is a winner Western APSO members volunteered at the Tuscaloosa Special Olympics on April 27 at Northridge High School. The company's volunteers worked at various events, including the long jump, and cheering the students from Oak Hill Elementary School, which has been Western APSO's adopt-a-school partner for 34 years. About 15 Eastern APSO members helped at the annual Etowah County Special Olympics for children and adults at Gadsden City High School. Events included the long jump, foot races, shot put, tennis ball toss, softball throw and fishing. Bounce houses and face painting were available for kids with disabilities that prevented them from competing. "It's just awesome to be there," Casandra Lewis said. "Just watching them participate and interact with each other, and seeing the smiles on their faces is wonderful. Many bring their families with them." Lewis and other Eastern APSO members packed 1,100 lunches for the athletes. She facilitated the donation of hamburgers, chips, cookies and soft drinks from four vendors to supply each athlete with a free lunch. "Once we had all the lunches packed, we could go out and watch the athletes. It was good to see the older kids who excel in school taking a leadership role in the event," said Lewis, administrative assistant - Ragland Shoreline Office. "It's cool to see people go out and be supportive." Western APSO members have volunteered with Bibb County's Special Olympics since 2014. This year, Karen Burklew shopped for game supplies and spent $500 on soft drinks, a gift from Western APSO that was shared with the athletes and spectators. "Each year, they try to make the event bigger and bigger," said Burklew, Western Division Office market specialist. "The Special Olympics is a great organization. This is one day out of the year that these children not only feel special, they feel like a winner." Gaston APSO members worked 82 hours helping with the Special Olympics at Calera High School, Maintenance Team Leader Justin Bailey said. Brewton Distribution Specialist Jason Newby led Mobile APSO in helping with Super Fun Day in Escambia County, and Field Service Representative Malinda Golden chaired Eufaula's Special Olympics. Blair is among many APSO members who plan to continue their volunteerism. Skye Blair's uncle believes in the mission of Special Olympics, and inspired Mike Blair, who now says he's hooked. He wants every child to know they are special. "Any good in me comes from God, and my wife, who God gave me," Blair said. by Donna Cope Jennings dances at Special Olympics Rodeo. Photo by Lisa Roberts

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