Time is something I don’t give up easily. I was excited about the opportunity to be an Endeavor Games volunteer. However, as the date quickly approached, I began reconsidering my time and how much I had to offer that particular week. Having always been poor at keeping commitments, I decided that I was sticking to it since I had already given the Endeavor Games my commitment.
My Experience as an Endeavor Games Volunteer
On Wednesday night, I served at the Military dinner, welcoming the Veterans who would be participating in weekend events. Standing among young men and women who paid a price for my freedom, I’ve never been humbled like that before. Many of these men and women had lost limbs or were wheelchair-bound. It wasn’t just my time; I was giving them. I also expressed my sincere gratitude for what they have done for me. I came away humbled, thankful and inspired.
Helping with Adaptive Sports
On Friday afternoon, I helped with registration. I met athletes from across the country as they confirmed their events for the weekend and received their info and t-shirts. Meeting these brave kids and their families and seeing young adults excited to compete was a pleasure. One young man walked away, saying he was “going to set a world record.” I was his fan right away!
I was soon transferred to the archery event on the soccer field, where I had one of the best afternoons I can remember. I was paired up with four young men aged 8 to 16. I quickly learned the ropes of scoring, where to stand, and what to do. My job of scoring each round turned into getting to know the athletes and their families, learning their stories, and becoming an encouragement.
My favorite player was the youngest in the whole event. He was about eight years old with purple leg braces that rose from his shoes to cover his shins. He squinted in the sun as he aimed his arrows but seemed to miss every time. He was almost too big for his small bow that he was still learning on for his first competition. Some of the leaders on the field would come by to encourage him and give him tips for his technique. His father watched from the sidelines and quietly encouraged him. As the rounds moved on, he continued to miss the target and hit the grass time after time. Soon, we started to encourage him more and more: “Just a little higher, Garrett,” “Anywhere on the target, Garrett,” “You can do it, Garrett.”
Garrett shared a target next to a young man from Arizona, a modern-day Robin Hood. Kevin was 13, and he had been participating in archery since he was four years old. Not only did he hit the target every time, he rarely hit outside of the bullseye. As we continued encouraging all the players, we saw Garrett improve. At first, it was just an arrow or two on the target. Then it moved to an 8-point shot, which we celebrated with high fives, fist bumps, and pictures!
As the rounds moved on, we became a unified archery family helping and encouraging one another and enjoying the spirit of competition. We would brag about scores, compare rounds, and cheer for each effort.
Then the event came to a close. After I said my goodbyes and told them all I hoped to see them again next year, I walked away with a smile and gratefulness that I had just offered the one thing I hold dear, my time, to the greatest kids I have ever met. I will always look back with fondness and respect for the athletes and the event.
I am proud to say I have become an official archery judge as an Endeavor Games volunteer. I can’t wait until next year!
