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10 "Volunteering builds and creates a community," Hall said. "It opens a channel to make a difference and forge new connections in the community, and around the world. I believe we all need community, and purpose. Volunteering at The World Games was a way for me to provide hope, help, happiness and purpose to our community and the world." Hall's best memory is when he was assigned to transport athletes from Team Portugal to the boulder climbing competition at Sloss Furnaces. "When I arrived, they were so happy to see me. They had gifts they had brought with them for me," Hall said. "They were so thankful for us volunteers. They had so many questions about life in America and things they should do while visiting. We discussed some differences in how their community works compared to ours and how neat it was making connections all around the world. They have no idea what a pleasure it was serving them. … We discussed life and volunteering and just how important it was to always have hope and spread love and joy to our communities, whether you are serving others or being served." Miller Steam Plant Chemical Technician Andrea Davis volunteered for 48 hours during the Games, greeting and assisting athletes, coaches and spectators at the BJCC, running the game clock and verifying calls at softball games in the Hoover Met and serving as needed during competitions at Sloss Furnaces. "I volunteered because it was an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of history being made right here in my hometown, Birmingham, Alabama, and knowing that my employer was a top sponsor of The World Games made volunteering on their behalf that much more rewarding," said Davis, who has worked at the company for eight years. Davis said it's tough to choose a favorite memory of her time during the Games. "I will say these two are tied for the best memory: Meeting people from other countries and the excitement they have for their sport and representing their country on this stage; and being able to witness the USA softball team win gold." Retiree Michael Hawkins said he has always enjoyed watching the Olympics and attended many events in Atlanta in 1996. He volunteered for about 45 hours during The World Games "I am a sports fan in general and thought it would be fun to observe and learn about some nontraditional sports," said Hawkins, an engineering supervisor in the Power Delivery Distribution Planning Department until he retired in 2021. "I have lived in Birmingham all of my life and felt like this was a great opportunity to showcase Birmingham and show the world what we have to offer here." Hawkins was treated to a diverse volunteer experience: helping merchants at the World Games Plaza; running score sheets to the softball director for approval after each inning; directing people to their seats for inline hockey at Bill Harris Arena; and replenishing team coolers at beach handball and indoors korfball. Hawkins was able to see USA teams win two gold medals but was left with other memories to cherish for a lifetime. "Interacting with fans and athletes and officials from other countries was a great experience for me," said the 40-year APC employee. "I am half-Italian and speak conversational Italian and it just so happened that the softball director and one other official were from Italy. I started speaking Italian to them and they were thrilled to hear an American speaking to them in the press box. Harris with Christoph Oberlehner, secretary general of the Fistball Association. Hall volunteered 25 hours. Retiree Hawkins volunteered 45 hours.