Rhode Island Credit Unions “Give a Little, Gain a Lot”
Despite the wind and rain, credit union volunteers from all over Rhode Island came together on Saturday, May 30th, and Sunday, May 31st, at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston to help make the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games a success. 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 weather could not keep the athlete’s or the volunteers’ spirits down, as the volunteer slogan of “Give a Little, Gain a Lot” was quite evident during a day filled both inspiration, joy, a sense of community and friendship for both the athletes and volunteers.
Rhode Island Credit Unions have been supporting Special Olympics RI for over 29 years. They continue to annually staff the entire Track and Clerking the starting day of the summer games. Ed Pacheco, President & CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island stated “The 2026 Summer Games were nothing short of inspiring, and our incredible partners at the Credit Unions of Rhode Island once again rose to the occasion through both their time and generosity. Each year credit union employees volunteer at our largest event, the annual Summer Games, helping to create life-changing experiences for Rhode Islanders with intellectual disabilities. Combined with their generous financial support, their volunteerism ensures that every athlete can participate at absolutely no cost to themselves or their families. Special Olympics Rhode Island is deeply grateful for the continued commitment and partnership of Rhode Island’s Credit Union community.”
David Dupéré, President/CEO Wave FCU and RI Social Responsibility Committee Chair states, “The 2026 Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games was a deeply humbling celebration of inclusion, community and athletic brilliance Seeing the Torch ’Flame of Hope’ enter during the Opening Ceremonies for RI’s largest sporting event of the year set a tone for a day where these amazing athletes truly shine their brightest. It was an honor to stand alongside volunteers from our Credit Unions of Rhode Island as we worked together once again at the track clerking station, witnessing firsthand the incredible determination of the athletes and the profund impact of coming together to support this inspiring community.”
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.
