Winkelmann Volunteers at the Special Olympics

Special Olympics Opening CeremonyWebster General Maintenance Technician Tom Winkelmann recently volunteered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA games in Orlando, Florida. The games united more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean.

Winkelmann served as one of the 10,000 volunteers who helped cover more than 20,000 shifts during the eight-day event. More than 125,000 families, friends and spectators attended. 

The Games offered 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports, including track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, open water swimming, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand-up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon and volleyball. 

Tom Winkelmann at the Special OlympicsWinkelmann got up at 5 a.m. each day and caught the bus to and from the ESPN Sports Complex to work the long jump and mini-javelin events.

“I helped measure the distance, rake the pits, line the athletes up, watch the foul line and, most importantly, made sure everyone was having fun," he said. “I have done hundreds of track meets for the past 26 years, but this is the first time officiating the Special Olympics.

"My college coach got me involved with officiating in 1995. I officiate for Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA), which I started dong in 2010 in track and field and cross country. I am also certified in the para-Olympics on all levels,” he said.

Competition venues included Walt Disney World Resort, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Exploria Stadium, Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and several other Orlando locations.

The mission of Special Olympics Florida is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Florida gives athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics fosters acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than 6 million athletes and Special Olympics Unified Sports® partners in more than 190 countries and territories and more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and more than 100,000 Games and competitions every year. 

To get involved with Special Olympics, visit the Special Olympics Missouri website. Learn more about becoming a track and field coach or official on the USA Track & Field website. 

 

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