As part of Floyd Lee Locums volunteerism program, “We Serve,” we encourage employees to partner with people and programs that better the communities we live in. We’re proud to have staff like Rae Hernandez, our Sales Support team member, who recently shared how she steps up to volunteer with the Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. They are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, and one family member at a time.
Rae is one of those helping to ensure that mission can come to fruition. Originally, she partnered with the Special Olympics for 15 years while working at Arizona Snowbowl as their Ski School Sales Supervisor. There, she would help organize and set up events for the ski and snowboard instructors to pair up with athletes who were coaches for various events.
“We would see the same athletes year after year,” said Rae. “It was always an exciting experience to see how much they would grow and excel in their sport. I was incredibly thrilled when I got the opportunity to take part and help organize or set up events for these talented and devoted athletes.”
Rae continued her commitment to the Special Olympics as the years went on. Most recently, she volunteered at a basketball event because she was so eager to work with the organization again after a three-year hiatus. As Rae reflected, it was meaningful to return to the non-profit she supported earlier in life. It still held a special place in her heart and was just as fulfilling as ever.
“The Special Olympics has become a huge part of my life over the years,” said Rae. “The athletes, organizers, and volunteers make this organization so very special. There is no doubt in these athletes’ minds that they will succeed. The growth of confidence is beautiful and empowering to watch. Whether it’s a team sport like basketball or a solo athlete on skis, it’s exhilarating to volunteer for these events.”
Rae acknowledged that it’s hard to see all these athletes and not experience a profound sense of humility. Knowing how hard they worked to earn medals makes Rae just as enthusiastic to continue her commitment to the organization—and she said she can’t wait to participate in the Track and Field events the Special Olympics is putting on this April.
To both Rae and the athletes, Floyd Lee Locums will be cheering you on. Congratulations to everyone!
About Floyd Lee Locums
Floyd Lee Locums provides an elite concierge experience to physicians and advanced practice healthcare clinicians in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. Named the 2020 and 2021 “Best Staffing Firm to Temp For” by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), their hands-on approach to delivering best-in-class service, personalized career solutions, and coverage that positively impacts patient outcomes is setting a new standard in the locums industry.