Witnessing Excellence: Volunteering at the Summer Games

There’s power in showing up for someone. 

Not only do you boost their performance with the confidence your presences brings, but you also get to see how much more we can achieve when we work together and for one another.

Last June, 20 Affinity Plus employees volunteered at the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games, assisting with the Track and Field events. Volunteers helped with escorting athletes to their different events, timing events, assisting with field events, cheering athletes on in the stands as fans, and presenting awards to athletes.

“I thought I would like volunteering at the Summer Games, but I didn’t know how much I would love it,” said Jacquie Twedt, one of the Affinity Plus volunteers at the 2024 games. “I left the day thinking, ‘How nice of them to let me come here!’ That’s really how great it was.”

Jacquie worked as an events timer, which gave her a great perspective on how inclusion in sports can build community. 

“When you’re a timer like I was, you are assigned an athlete for each event so you can cheer them on and celebrate with them,” Jacquie said. “It was incredibly fulfilling, I loved all of the smiling faces and pride. It was an absolute privilege to volunteer, and I was so grateful for the opportunity.”

The Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games occur every June, when athletes from across the state come to compete at this state-level competition. The athletes compete in track and field, basketball, gymnastics, and swimming during the Summer Games.

Affinity Plus is committed to supporting Special Olympics Minnesota and their movement for inclusion across Minnesota, and we’re honored support their efforts in making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Along with the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, Affinity Plus plans to keep sending volunteers to help with Special Olympics competitions in Minnesota. And with the Special Olympics USA Games coming to Minnesota in 2026, there should be plenty of opportunity to make a difference.

“It was a fabulous experience all around,” Jacquie said. “To be a part of something so important was so uplifting. I am excited for the employees of Affinity Plus to have this opportunity for the 2026 games.”