Rhode Island Credit Union Volunteers Get Inspired at Summer Games
More than 35 volunteers from six (6) Rhode Island credit unions spent Friday May 30, Saturday June 1, and Sunday, June 2 at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston helping make the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games a success on a beautiful summer-like day. The volunteers served in many capacities including “clerking” the walking and running events, as well as helping the athletes to the medal awards portion of the games. Some of the best parts of volunteering is the interaction with all the athletes as they patiently wait for their race, cheering them on during their events, then escorting them to the medal awards area. The day was filled with both inspiration, joy, and friendship for both the athletes and volunteers.
Rhode Island Credit Unions have been supporting Special Olympics RI for over 28 years. They continue to annually staff the entire Track and Clerking every Friday, the starting day of the summer games. Ed Pacheco, President & CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island stated “Special Olympics Rhode Island’s Summer Games represent the culmination of a year of dedication, training, and hard work by our athletes. It’s their moment to shine- made possible by the unwavering support of volunteers and generous donors like the Credit Unions of Rhode Island. Credit Unions reflect the values of their members and communities they serve. Year after year, they go above and beyond to support and uplift our athletes. We are proud to call them partners and honored to have them as port of the Special Olympics Rhode Island Family”.
David Dupéré, President/CEO Wave FCU and RI Social Responsibility Committee Chair states, “The Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games was another incredible chapter in our long-standing partnership. Volunteers from the Credit Unions of Rhode Island were proud to once again stand beside these inspiring athletes. Our years of participation reflect our deep commitment to inclusion, community, and compassion- and each year the joy we experience grows stronger. It was truly a day filled with heart, hope, and celebration”.
This year’s credit union volunteers included employees from Coastal1 Credit Union, Cranston Municipal Employees Credit Union, Greenwood Credit Union, Navigant Credit Union, People’s Credit Union, and Wave Federal Credit Union
Throughout the year, the Credit Unions of Rhode Island host a number of events to support Special Olympics Rhode Island financially including golf and bowling tournaments, candy sales, and direct fundraising. The Social Responsibility Committee extends its thanks to all the volunteers that participated in the Summer Games on behalf of the Association and their credit unions.
