The first partnership between the Peace Corps and the Special Olympics was an important moment for both nonprofits, but for Peace Corps volunteer and Grand Valley State University alumna Sarah Hollemans, it was a deeply personal moment as well.

Hollemans, who has been working in Morocco as a Youth Development volunteer since September 2009, said the Morocco Special Olympics hit a special note with her because she has several family members with disabilities. Holleman’s brother has cerebral palsy and she has an aunt with Down syndrome.

“There were a few times when I teared up during the events of the day,” she said. “There was one young boy who really reminded me of my brother who has cerebral palsy. I’m glad the Peace Corps volunteers are joining the effort to promote the Special Olympics in the communities in Morocco because people with disablities are an underserved population.”

The Special Olympics were held in Tangiers, Morocco, on May 15. More than 250 athletes competed in track and field, table tennis, bocce and gymnastics events, and more than 20 American volunteers were on hand to supervise the competition and cheer them on.

“Some [of the athletes] were just happy to finish and it wasn’t about winning,” said Jacqueline Stewart, a Peace Corps volunteer from Braintree, Ma., who volunteered at the event with Hollemans. “The affection they have for one another was really wonderful.”

Hollemans, who graduated from GVSU in 2008 with a Criminal Justice degree, said working on the Special Olympics was one of the highlights of her 27-month stint abroad, which will end in November. Other experiences have included teaching English to local children and adults, running programs for women and children and developing plans for the town’s first playground.

“The athletes that participated in the games were so excited about being part of the event and partaking with the festivities,” she said. “Everywhere you looked you saw smiling faces. The athletes really enjoyed the Peace Corps volunteers talking with them and sitting in the stands prior to the opening ceremonies, encouraging them during their events and awarding them their medals on the podium at the end of the day.”

GVSU’s focus on cultural awareness and diversity helped with the transition from American to Moroccan culture, Hollemans said.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent living and working in a small rural community south of Marrakesh,” she said, “yet I am eagerly anticipating my return home to my family and friends in America. … I am still deciding what my next move in life will be. For the next few months, I am just going to enjoy where I am, the work that I am doing and the friends, both Moroccan and American, I have made.”

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