Yom Sport is Greater Boston’s day of sports for adults with disabilities. Marc Rosenblum is a seasoned volunteer and event committee member who says that Yom Sport has made a great impact on him as well as on the athletes who participate.

 

How did you get involved with Yom Sport and why is it important to you?created at: 2012-08-16
A good friend of mine invited me to Yom Sport many years ago. She knew that this event would be special to me because I have a step-sister with Down’s Syndrome. I have been volunteering with adults with disabilities for the majority of my life. It’s a special event that my family joins in, too. My wife, Belinda, and my daughter, Olivia, regularly volunteer. Yom Sport enables us to give back.

What is a memorable experience that you’ve had as a volunteer?
I remember meeting a young man who was nervous and shy at his first event, and one year later, he was incredibly confident and proud of himself. I have always been a little bit goofy and that helped him relax and have a great time at the event. It was a rewarding experience for me to help him get past his fears and worries.

Why would you encourage a new volunteer to participate?
The question is: why wouldn’t you participate? Knowing that your actions make a huge difference makes Yom Sport an incredible day. Many of us (including me) take so much for granted – on the other hand I’ve found that the Yom Sport athletes do not take anything for granted. They are grateful and thankful. They return year after year, constantly saying that they love the volunteers. Athletes seek me out, ask me if I remember their name and when I say, ‘yes’—they just light up.

What impact does Yom Sport have on its athletes?
It helps them further develop confidence and friendships, and they have a lot of fun.  I believe that the confidence they gain makes the biggest difference as it carries over into other areas of their lives. Additionally, this event gives them a chance to meet new people, creating a bigger community for the athletes to thrive all year long.

This year, Yom Sport is on Sunday, August 26, at Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton. Click here to register as a volunteer! For more information or special accommodations, please contact Leah at leaho@cjp.org.

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