“I do it because my mother and father did it, my son does it because I did and his grandma and grandpa did. My grandkids do it for the same reason. And it all starts with one athlete.”
The Semenecz family has been volunteering with the Special Olympics for over 40 years. Take a glimpse at their journey volunteering.
Great video ,it’s a small thank you to a family that really needs a big one . So here it is .
A BIG THANK YOU.
Keep up the super inspiration.
After leaving the 2022 summer games, I decided to watch this video again. I wanted to feel that crazy but wonderful feeling I had all weekend while working with Jim at states. The first time I met Jim and his mom was at a sectional meet at Seton Hall around 1999. I was a new coach and was taking note of how this wonderful Penguins team did things, in and out of the pool. There was much to learn and much to admire. Over the years I’ve come to know Jim & his son Jay, and have been fortunate to work SONJ events with both of them. The Penguins team and all of their coaches and volunteers are truly something special. They are a family. They work hard together, laugh a lot, and share their friendship easily. They are everything you see in this video and so much more. They continue to inspire athletes, coaches and volunteers year after year. They expect a great deal, teach the athletes the importance of hard work and team work and so much more. They are the perfect example of why Special Olympics is so important!