Post by benamitchy1 on Jan 14, 2008 11:34:26 GMT 7
My name is Cheryl Haack I was one of nearly 170 family members who travelled to Shanghai
for the world games. I stayed at the Panorama Hotel, which became the hub
for the families during the entire event.
Our hub was set up in the reception area of the hotel. It was manned by
Catriona Barry, Ann Monaghan and a band of volunteers.
What was created was a home away from home for all those who were there.
From the white boards set up with information ranging from, daily times of
Sports, addresses of each sport, boards with lists of times and transport
Things like lists of restaurants, shops with bargains for families.
Merchandise lists for families who couldn’t find any, to result tallies and so many
Many more.
Every morning we would leave armed with information on buses that we pre-ordered with volunteers who were there to look after us and quite ofter we
Would find Ann, Catriona or Rex would be on our buses enthusiastically
Travelling with us to watch our sport and cheer our athletes.
When we returned of a night the day’s results would be already posted, we were
Always guaranteed hugs and quite often tears shared with Catriona and Ann over
Our athletes wonderful results. Many meals were shared together.
Those two had a hidden supply of goods for just the right moment. A jar of
Vegemite or peanut butter when we were homesick, a spare supporters shirt when
We needed to give a gift for our wonderful volunteer, spare medical supplies
Which were of need on numerous occasions.
There genuine warmth, caring and kindness was truly felt by all, and the unique
Opportunity for families to get to know and be thankful for Special Olympics
Head Office Staff was something we will all not forget. Many thanks
for the world games. I stayed at the Panorama Hotel, which became the hub
for the families during the entire event.
Our hub was set up in the reception area of the hotel. It was manned by
Catriona Barry, Ann Monaghan and a band of volunteers.
What was created was a home away from home for all those who were there.
From the white boards set up with information ranging from, daily times of
Sports, addresses of each sport, boards with lists of times and transport
Things like lists of restaurants, shops with bargains for families.
Merchandise lists for families who couldn’t find any, to result tallies and so many
Many more.
Every morning we would leave armed with information on buses that we pre-ordered with volunteers who were there to look after us and quite ofter we
Would find Ann, Catriona or Rex would be on our buses enthusiastically
Travelling with us to watch our sport and cheer our athletes.
When we returned of a night the day’s results would be already posted, we were
Always guaranteed hugs and quite often tears shared with Catriona and Ann over
Our athletes wonderful results. Many meals were shared together.
Those two had a hidden supply of goods for just the right moment. A jar of
Vegemite or peanut butter when we were homesick, a spare supporters shirt when
We needed to give a gift for our wonderful volunteer, spare medical supplies
Which were of need on numerous occasions.
There genuine warmth, caring and kindness was truly felt by all, and the unique
Opportunity for families to get to know and be thankful for Special Olympics
Head Office Staff was something we will all not forget. Many thanks