CALL FOR HELP

On July 21 at 9:53p an e-mail was sent to all Motorpool Drivers from the crew in charge because there was a transportation crisis and drivers were needed to help with delegations and honored guests driving.  Since I do not always sleep throughout the night, I awoke at 3a and checked my e-mail sent over the last six hours. I thought this was important and with a free day, I decided to help out. After think I slept for about thirty minutes more before getting out of bed by 5:30a. Not knowing how long I would be out of the house or exactly what was needed, I packed a light breakfast and lunch and headed out the door by 6:45a. I took the Blue Line to Downtown LA and road my bike to the USC parking lot where I was to meet with the group on the 7th floor. Oddly enough, the gate guard had no clue of where workforce so took the elevator up to the 6th floor and saw a lot of bikes. I thought I was in the wrong place so I went downstairs and walked around the corner only to find my way back, then back up to the sixth floor by elevator and walked up the seventh floor where there were hundreds of Toyota vehicles and a few other volunteers. I was in the right place.
We were informed about the transportation issue with the incoming Special Olympics media, officials and athletes and how some had to sleep on the floor at Loyola Marymount University overnight. Our job was to drive Sienna vans to a parking lot near LAX and make ourselves available for whomever came arrived and needed a ride to hotels and host cities. I saw the list had a lot of names on it arriving from 9a to midnight so I thought we would be moving constantly. That was not the case. More volunteers came throughout the morning so we were about twenty in total. For about two hours we all sat and stood around talking about the games and the transportation issues as we knew. We also watched many planes arrive and depart, which is always exciting to me. Around 11a I got a call to pick up three people from terminal 4 and take them to J.W. Marriott in Downtown Los Angeles. Not knowing what these three looked like, I drove in and crept until flagged down by three women. I asked if they were going to the the J.W. and they told me there are three going there, not them. I found a man and woman going there but not the third person as she left so did we.
My first ride was to the J. W. Marriott Hotel which was about a 25 minute drive from LAX. The couple, from Washington D.C. were part of Special Olympics International and were in town for a few days. They seemed hungry and tired because they mentioned getting to the hotel soon. They also mentioned how hot they thought it was outside. It was hot and dry. After dropping them off, I drove back anticipating another pick up. That did not happen. I sat around for a few more hours before going to the supermarket with two volunteers (Noemi and Susan) to get snacks and water. After returning, we all sat around for some time longer before being asked to take the cars back to the USC parking lot.
Traffic was horrendous on the 105 as it took me about 30 minutes to drive 4 miles so I took streets which took about 30 minutes. I should have done so from the start. Once at the parking lot, Robert asked if I could help drive the Camry cars to the convention center parking lot, where they were to be stored for a week. I and a few other volunteers drove many cars over. Around 8p, I was so tired that it was time for me to go home.

One week away

Since I was selected to work as a Motorpool Driver and had no clue of what that entailed, I attended the  volunteer workshop from 12-2p on July 18. I learned that Motorpool had 600 drivers of the supposed 30,000 volunteers. Our job is to drive the loaned Toyota Camry and Sienna vehicles to transport coaches, honored guests, officials and other important persons affiliated with Special Olympics wherever they need to go, within the World Games perimeters. We are to be the Uber of Special Olympics. Since I do not use Uber, I really had no idea of how the concept work but quickly learned. Any one who needs a ride calls a contact number who calls dispatch requesting specifics. Dispatch calls out a driver to drive wherever needed and return to the hub at Los Angeles Convention Center. Vehicles are to be used only for Special Olympics and nothing more, unless a passenger wants something to drink. I was under the impression that we will be driving all day long since most volunteers have been given 8 hour shifts.
After the workshop, I offered to give more hours if needed because my scheduled allowed for it during the week. Keil added me for a day then said it may be best to play it by ear because some volunteers may need to make changes and help may be needed.

Less than two weeks away

On July 13 between 5-8p I was scheduled to pick up my volunteer packet for the games. I drove to the nearby Carson site and saw white tents and Special Olympics World Games 2015 backdrops and signs everywhere. The excitement grew that I could not stop smiling. I picked up my credentials and, t-shirt, lanyard, cap, hip pack and TAP card which made it all official. I was also given my work schedule which was Monday July 25 6:30a-2:30p, July 26 2-10p and August 1 2-10p. Since Ann and I had tickets to the opening ceremony, there was no way working July 25 2-10p (as originally scheduled) was going to work so I thought that day was cancelled. I quickly found it was not when the revised schedule was given. Knowing the day would be long, I was unsure if I would be able to stay alert all day and night because going to the ceremony was imperative. As usual, something will be figured out.

Less than 3 weeks before the start

Special Olympics World Games 2015 begin in less than three weeks on July 25. They will be the biggest sporting event since the Los Angeles Olympics 1984 an all over the county. I love watching the Olympics and really want to attend the Olympics, especially Para-Olympics at least once in my lifetime no matter if they are summer or winter sports. Last year when I found out about the Special Olympics coming to Los Angeles, I knew this would me Olympic dream come true. Regularly I checked for volunteer sign up information as well as game schedules. It seemed like forever and a year before the information was released as I waited for many months. I really wanted to fly to Canada to attend one Women's World Cup game and rollerskating at the Pan-American games but not knowing where I stood with the Special Olympics, I put them first and decided to forego Canada. I do not regret it but would have loved to attend those events.
The other day on July 1, I finally received an e-mail stating that my job for Special Olympics is that of a Motorpool Driver July 25, 26 and August 1. I really do not know what this position entails but whatever it is, there will be much fun awaiting.. Unfortunately I had to reject July 25 2-10p because of the Opening Ceremony. My friend and I have tickets to attend the Opening Ceremony and it is a must for me. Stevie Wonder will perform and Michelle Obama will say a few words. I am so excited about these games that I cannot contain myself.