Volunteer Spotlight: Stan and Emelie Addley, Volunteers in Strathcona County

When Stan and Emelie Addley started helping their local Special Olympics bowling program, Wham!’s hit song Careless Whisper was the most requested song on the radio station while Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney was signing the Atlantic Accord.

“I can’t remember exactly when we started volunteering with Special Olympics, but we know it’s over 30 years,” says Emelie Addley.

This community-minded couple has been assisting by bringing balls and keeping score at Sherwood Bowl for over 30 years for the Special Olympics Alberta- Strathcona program. They rarely misses a day without athletes noticing.

“(Athletes) are always happy to see us. We’ve known them for years,” says Stan Addley.

Emelie adds, “They notice when we’re not there (which is not often), and they always ask about us if we’re not there.”

And what keeps them coming back each week for the past 30 years?

“The enjoyment of seeing each of them enjoying the activity of bowling,” says Emelie Addley.  

Stan agrees. “I love watching them when they get so excited when they get a strike or a spare. Something inside you  makes you feel good because it’s not just someone throwing a ball. There’s a lot of excitement for all of us to share.”

The most common reason for all Special Olympics volunteers dedicating their time is the athletes. Seeing them come out of their shell to share their personalities and expressing their joy is a powerful thing to witness. Their commitment is driven to ensure people with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to transform and show how hard work and confidence will allow them to achieve anything.

It is every day heroes like Stan and Emelie Addley and Rob Dyke that make an impact on the lives of athletes and the community.  Sustaining sports programs every  day  is not achieved by one, but is the accumulated efforts of a dedicated group.

Special Olympics Alberta would like to recognize our outstanding volunteers  and say thank you for making sport programs possible for people with intellectual disabilities.
For more information to be part of Special Olympics -Strathcona program, go to www.specialolympics.ab.ca/strathcona.