OEC Volunteers Take Part in 50th Annual Special Olympics Summer Games

By Brianna Wall | Editor & Creative Director

Volunteers from 19 Oklahoma electric co-ops came together in Stillwater May 15-17 to assist with the Special Olympics Summer Games. Four employees represented OEC among the 100-plus co-op volunteers in Stillwater.

Pictured are Member Service Associate Loujohnia Hensley, District Linemen Gary Jones and Brad Scott, and Apprentice Lineman Scott Romo joined over 100 other co-op employees from across the state. The co-op employees, family members and former Youth Tour participants assisted with track and field events.

More than 5,500 athletes from across the state participated in the Summer Games — it was the event's 50th anniversary. During the three-day event, athletes competed in track and field, bocce, bowling, golf, horseshoes, powerlifting, basketball and softball.

I was inspired by the athletes and their drive to compete," said Hensley. "I highly encourage others to volunteer."

Jones echoed her statement. "The drive and determination [the athletes] had was amazing. They just never quit!"

In addition to OEC's volunteers, the OEC Foundation, Inc. via the Operation Round Up® program donates funds to area Special Olympics teams each year. That funding is made possible by members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Read more about this program each month on page 4.

Scott, who volunteered on the Energy Trails project in 2018 to help bring electricity to rural Guateamala, was equally amazed by the athletes. [4111402502]

"The obstacles they overcome and the fights they have to battle everyday compared to my typical day are far more surpassing and I love to help them in any form I can. It is a truly humbling experience."