AuPairCare Volunteers with the Special Olympics

On a cool rainy Saturday morning last spring, au pairs from France, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Czech Republic, Poland, Colombia, and Germany arrived at Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Currently living with host families across Bucks and Montgomery County, the au pairs took time out of their schedules to give back to their adopted community by volunteering at Pennsylvania's 2016 Special Olympic Games!

As the activities kicked off each au pair was matched up with an athlete for the day. The au pair's task was to cheer on their match and encourage them in the various competitions. To break the ice, Area Director Michele Greenockle, brought everyone together to warm up with some jumping jacks and push-ups. It quickly transitioned into a dance party as the athletes showed off their talents and brought a smile to everyone's face.

That initial warm up set a great tone for the rest of the day. In addition to fierce competition - the day also included lots of laughs, cheers and bonding between au pairs, athletes, friends and loved ones.

The whole experience in the Special Olympics was amazing! How incredible to see everyone working so hard. Even though the day was rainy, everybody had such a positive energy! It was so much fun dancing, laughing and having a blast! The athletes have so much to teach us, their determination was truly inspiring! I really enjoyed being part of it!'

- Camilla from Brazil.

AuPairCare is especially proud of the 18 au pairs that volunteered for the games. The rain didn't hold back any au pair showing their support and making a difference!

'Several coaches and parents came over to tell me how amazing the au pairs were at engaging and supporting their athletes! It was an inspirational day for the au pairs to be involved and give back to their local US community; it also touched the lives of the athletes who held their medals high with pride!' shared Area Director Michele Greenockle.

A special thank you to Michele Grennockle for facilitating this experience, the au pairs that participated and of course the athletes for all the hard work they put into competing. Enjoy a video of the event: