Earlier tonight I began my volunteer work at the Special Olympics in Spring Valley. It had taken months for me to be able to join this organization. I had talked with Charlie, the head of the Olympics many times and was under the impression that it was a kids' league. However, when I walked in I was surprised to find only a few kids there and about 60 adults.

I got to meet Charlie finally and he handed me my work. I was to keep score for the the teams and record all of the statistics. About 3 times I was asked, "Hey, what team are you on," by an organizer who didn't know I was a volunteer. One even walked up to me and said, "Hey, you're Jake, right?" I said I was and then he brought me a jersey for a team. After most of the directors had either met me, or asked me about playing, I began my work. The sport was field hockey and there were 4 matches throughout the night.

I was placed next to these loud Brooklyn women and a man who was a player in the Special Olympics. The women complained about their husbands for most of the time. The man, meanwhile repeated three sentences maybe 40 times. "I'm waiting for J.P." He said. "Ah," I responded. "When do I play?" "You play third." "There is a luncheon on Saturday, right?" "I don't know, I just started here." "Hey do you know J.P.?" "No, I don't, I just started here." "Ok, because I'm waiting for J.P." We had this conversation throughout the night.

Though it was not as satisfying socially, the work aspect was very fun. The players were very enthusiastic about their teams and it was great watching them celebrate when they'd score. Some players had trouble playing. One kept walking off the floor. Some players, however, were great players despite whatever disability they had. I was hard at work for most of the night, but ended up getting along well with most of the players.

Though it began kind of badly, I ended up enjoying myself and am excited to return next week.