Information provided by Kim Healey, VP at The Abs Company, and long time Special Olympics New Jersey volunteer.
The Abs Company was established in 2006 and is guided by a set of core values which are non-negotiable. They believe that fitness changes lives and seek to live their mission every day as “We Change Lives from the Core”! They have a program called TAC Gives Back. This has been in place for nearly the entire history of the company. Their CEO firmly believes that they are blessed to be a blessing to others. On a monthly basis they give to different organizations which can be suggested by team members. Their core values have been condensed since then but at the time they had a core value that was ‘We value all humanity and believe that we should always give back”. Giving back doesn’t always have to be financial so their team decided to volunteer for the Special Olympics New Jersey Fall Games for the first time. They all agreed that the mission of the Special Olympics aligned perfectly with The Abs Company since they believe Fitness Changes Lives! This year was their fourth time volunteering.
The following testimonials demonstrate and help understanding the impact volunteering for Special Olympics New Jersey has on volunteers:
Testimonials
Kristin H.: “I always leave the Special Olympics Fall Games feeling like I’ve gained a lot more than I given. The spirit, commitment, and sportsmanship of all of the athletes is inspirational and it makes me grateful for the experience of giving back.”
Ryan H.: “I love the fact that I am able to help out and it just gives me so much joy to see how hard the athletes work with all the challenges they are facing day in and day out. They have the best day but they also take this serious, these athletes love to WIN. The Special Olympics totally aligns with the core values that The Abs Company lives by. Gratitude, Leadership, Big Things, Win!”
Michael R.: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer with the Special Olympics here in NJ. The staff with the Special Olympics are awesome and the events are always super positive and very well organized. The main focus is 100% on providing the athletes with the opportunity to compete to the best of their ability and have fun. So inspiring to see the athletes drive to WIN and compete. Love seeing the support of the family members and community cheering on the athletes as well. Thank you for allowing me to volunteer with the Special Olympics.”
Kim H.: “Volunteering for the Special Olympics of NJ as a company has really brought us together and provided team building and bonding. Each year that we attend, the lessons we learn as a team help us to improve as employees, colleagues and people. Watching the team spirit that these athletes have, how they support each other, and how they are determined to win is inspiring year after year. Year after year volunteering for SONJ Fall Games leaves a lasting impression on me and everyone at The Abs Company! We most definitely get more than we give.”
Sean G.: “At The Abs Company we believe that Fitness Changes Lives! Traditionally people think of fitness as exercise in a gym but its so much more than that including sport! Watching the power of fitness at the Special Olympics is reaffirming. These champions show is that fitness is for everyone and regardless of your ability, improving your fitness enhances it. This, coupled with the humility and gratitude shown by the athletes, makes this an organization we are proud to be aligned with!”
Cathy P.: “I am so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Special Olympics of New Jersey! It was an experience I will never forget. Our team got to work together to make the day for all of those happy participants showing their athleticism on the field. I would do it again in a heartbeat and can’t wait to volunteer again. Priceless time spent as a team with those honorable athletes.”
Eleni G.: “Volunteering for the Special Olympics was an incredible experience! It was inspiring to witness such a talented group of athletes competing at such a high level. The energy and determination they brought to each game was unforgettable and truly uplifting for all of us. I’m so grateful The Abs Company had the chance to be part of such a special day.”
We would like to thank The Abs Company for their continued support of our events. Is your team looking for an opportunity to volunteer for a great cause? We invite you to attend one (or more!) of our upcoming events as a cheerleader, athlete, supporter or volunteer. Between competitions, fundraisers, health and education opportunities, we keep busy all year long and across New Jersey.