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COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT Special Olympics Committee Dedicated to Service By Angela L. Dixon Justice Eugene Cook, while serving as Houston Bar president in 1989, formed the Special Olympics Committee to assist Special Olympics Texas by recruiting and coordinating volunteers for events. Special Olympics Texas provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for mentally and/or physically challenged athletes of all ages. Athletes are able to participate in physical fitness, while demonstrating courage and celebrating victories with families and friends. Elaine Lawson, senior counsel at Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. and David Thrasher, a director at Kane, Russell, Coleman & Logan, P.C., serve as co-chairs of the committee and are gearing up for an exciting year of service to Special Olympics. “The committee provides volunteers for numerous events throughout the year. Our goal is to increase the number of volunteer hours with Special Olympics,” Thrasher said, adding, “Last year the committee exceeded its goal and provided 3,350 hours of service. We hope for another successful year.” Lawson added that the committee plans to partner with the HBA’s Veterans’ Legal Initiative because a number of veterans participate in Special Olympics. Special Olympics has five events scheduled this fall: the Regional Bocce Ball Tournament, September 27th; the Regional Golf Tournament, September 29th; the Area Aquatic Swim Meet, October 4th; the Area Softball Tournament, October 11th; and the Area Bowling Tournament, December 6th. The committee has approximately 27 members who attend monthly meetings, serve as volunteer coordinators for one or more events, and recruit attorneys and community members to volunteer at events. Committee members also assist by registering volunteers at the competitions and supporting their efforts. Even if HBA members do not wish to serve on the committee, they are welcome to volunteer at events. According to Lawson, once you volunteer, you are hooked. “Before I became a member of the committee, I volunteered at Special Olympics events with the HBA because I was looking for opportunities to work alongside my teenage daughters and give back to our community,” Lawson said. “We first participated in a bowling event and were so blessed to help the athletes and see their positive attitudes despite their challenges.” Thrasher described the Special Olympics as a fantastic organization because you can get involved and really see an impact. “You see athletes doing things they would not normally do, and you cheer and support them in their efforts,” he said. “Just seeing the effort, intensity and passion of the athletes and the proud look on their parents’ faces is a reward in itself.” The Special Olympics Texas staff members are also an integral part of the committee. Renee Klovenski, Special Olympics Program Director, has worked with the Houston Bar committee for 16 years and meets monthly with members. “The Special Olympics Committee is so beneficial to us,” Klovenski said. “We only have a staff of two people for 3,200 athletes. Each year the committee takes on a more prominent leadership role and they are an absolute joy to work with.” For more information on how to volunteer for the Special Olympics Committee or any events mentioned above, contact Elaine Lawson at elawson@fulbright.com or David Thrasher at dthrasher@krcl.com. Angela L. Dixon is a solo practitioner and owner of the Law Office of Angela L. Dixon, P.L.L.C. She is a member of The Houston Lawyer editorial board |
