By Paige Dalto ’24, staff writer

LVC is serving with the Lebanon County Special Olympics for another semester this fall.

This opportunity, running now through early November, offers a chance for students to serve as a buddy during Special Olympians’ walking and running practices, as well as play volleyball with them.

This international organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Lebanon County’s division of this organization is entirely volunteer-run and provides free services for athletes and their families.

Jennifer Liedtka, LVC’s Coordinator of Service and Volunteerism, stated that the college has partnered with Lebanon’s Special Olympics throughout her six years of leadership. Liedtka added that during the COVID-19 pandemic, LVC students were able to write notes of encouragement to athletes as the college could not host in person.

Not only does volunteering provide great opportunities to bond with those in the community, but this can also serve as a source of learning and personal growth. Being able to support and engage with Special Olympics athletes in the Lebanon community “is a gift in itself,” Liedtka described.

“Any time we can engage with someone who has a lived experience different from our own, we have the opportunity to grow our perspective of how we see ourselves and understand our world,” Liedtka said.

Students have the chance to serve as a buddy on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. or participate in volleyball on Thursdays at the same time. These events continue into early November until the season ends for Special Olympians, and Liedtka added that LVC will be exploring opportunities to volunteer with winter and spring sports.

Volunteers for the walking and running practices will meet outside the doors of the Heilman Center, and the meeting area for volleyball practices is located at the Cleona Campmeeting grounds.

Those interested in volunteering as a buddy or participating in volleyball this fall can sign up via Redbook on MyLVC.