When you see a need, find a way to fill it.

That was Malinda Golden’s response when she realized the city of Eufaula did not have a Special Olympics. After assisting the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) in a Special Olympics in another city, Golden wondered, “Why don’t we have something like this where we live?” She knew her 11-year-old son, Michael, who has Down syndrome, would enjoy the event. But, Eufaula had not held a Special Olympics for more than 22 years.

Eufaula children took part in first local Special Olympics in 22 years

“I saw how much the children enjoyed themselves, and wanted the children in Eufaula City Schools to have the same experience,” said Golden, Field Services representative for the Phenix City Office and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 796.

Golden’s first effort was to talk with her son’s special education teacher, Lynn Baker, about the idea. Baker was optimistic, so Golden contacted the state Special Olympics. With Baker’s help, Golden broached a plan to members of the Eufaula Board of Education. Knowing the event would require dedicated volunteers, Golden talked with fellow members of APSO’s Southeast/Farley Chapter. Southeast Division Office Manager Ralph Bellamy presented a grant administered by the Alabama Power Foundation, which Golden’s team used to buy materials.

However, Golden discovered there was a lot more required than being “an idea person.” She took six hours of classroom training by Special Olympics, required to coach the children.

When the day came, fellow employees were on hand for support. APSO State President Katrina Haynes said members were proud to help Golden, as children enjoyed events including running and throwing the shotput.

“Malinda has done an enormous amount of work for this cause,” said Haynes, Transmission Lines engineer, Southern Division Office. “Her volunteerism really kicked off with supporting APSO, when she volunteered for the first time at the Wiregrass Area Buddy Walk for Down syndrome about three years ago in support of her son.”

Employees assisted Special Olympics

Golden said she owed a debt of gratitude to the APSO volunteers, who included Christy Coats, Michael Cunningham, Chloe Davis, Sebastian Dixon, Tracy Dismukes, Erma Floyd, Willie Guilford, Charles Hagler, Roderick Harris, Pamela Hill, Janet Hovey, Christopher Jackson, Kathleen Mitchell, Cody Prickett, Lisa Roberts, Jake Taylor, Teel Traylor and Haynes.

“All of our volunteers were outstanding,” Golden said. “They were all so great, so willing to work with our special-needs children. They got the food, helped organize and set up.”

Thanks to Alabama Power’s help, Golden said, all 50 participants, aged pre-kindergarten to adults, enjoyed themselves.

“The day could not have been a success without the Alabama Power Foundation, our APSO members and everyone else pulling together as a team,” Golden said. “It was remarkable. The kids were all so happy because they were competing in something they’d only been able to see on television. We wanted to make it special for the children. At the end of the day, the emphasis wasn’t on winning times and numbers, but on being there and having a good time.”

Southeast Division Vice President and longtime APSO member Richard Hutto awarded medals to each child who took part.

“It was just a neat day for the kids,” Golden said. “No one got hurt, it went smoothly and made memories for a lifetime.”