Special Olympics

World Special Olympics in LA, in need of Arabic speakers, WHY NOT? 

Another item to add to Alyssa's list of random life experiences? SURE.

I was the Delegation Liaison for Jordan, meaning the translator, tour guide, cheerleader, organizer, chauffeur, entertainer, errand-runner, miracle-worker, ect... 
I was with them the entire 2 weeks they were in LA, and here's what that entailed:

When the team first arrived we went to our host-town of Bakersfield for a few days before competition started. While there we were treated so well - the city organized activities and meals to welcome Team Jordan to the U.S. 

We went bowling...

And to the zoo...

Bakersfield was awesome. The people were so nice and helpful and the Jordanians LOVED it. So many people volunteered to make it a great experience. We had police escorts everywhere we went, and one of my favorite moments was when one of the officers gave his watch to special athlete Abdullah. He freaked out and it was adorable. 

When we got to Los Angeles we checked in to the athlete village at USC. That weekend was the Opening Ceremony and it was AMAZING. I have always dreamed of walking in the parade of athletes at the Olympics. Ya, this was Special Olympics, and ya, I wasn't an athlete, but I got to be in the parade! And it was SO fun!

ESPN covered the ceremony and acts included: Cassadee Pope, Avril Lavigne, Stevie Wonder, Eva Longoria, Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, and other people I can't remember...

It was a really inspiring show and the end turned into a huge dance party!

The rest of the time in LA was competition. My athletes competed in track & field, bocce ball, and roller skating. I would bounce around between the different events, help the coaches figure things out and cheer for the athletes.

Let's be honest, I really wanted to play too...

They KILLED it. Check out these medals...

After competitions we would try to do fun stuff. One evening I went to Venice Beach with one of the coaches, Muhammad.

Another day I took some of our team and the Qatar team to Hollywood. 

They thoroughly enjoyed dancing along to street performers :)

But most nights I would just sit outside and chat with the coaches from Jordan, Qatar, and Iraq. I loved them all and we had some really great conversations. They asked a lot about the Mormon Church and why I live the way I do.

My favorite part was just hanging out with the athletes and helping them feel special and loved. They were so sweet and fun to be around, and really good at their sports!

Notice I wore a huge orange polo every single day? Yeah it's hott, I know. 

Special Olympics was an incredible experience and I loved being with the Jordanian team. I'm amazed at how much planning, volunteering, and sponsoring goes into these kinds of events. People are good and want to make a difference in others' lives. I have so much respect for those with intellectual disabilities and all those who love, support, and encourage them. It matters.

Oh and I was featured on Mormon Newsroom and Church News if you wanna read it!