FRIENDLY FACES: Two Rota Sailors volunteer at weekly sports class

ByCourtneyPollock

Naval Station Rota, Spain

To the sound of screeching tennis shoes, cheers and laughter a young boy weaves between players during a game of dodge ball at an indoor field near the Rota feria grounds.AmongstthegroupofSpanishchildren,thereareafewAmericansstationedat NavalStation(NAVSTA)Rotawhovolunteer eachweektohelp

Rota Sailors have been attending this NAVSTA Rota community relations (COMREL)eventsinceJanuary2023when AlejandraTirapuLucero,COMRELspecialist,originallyputouttherequest.

“I contacted the association (Asociación de familias con hijos con Trastornos Generales del Desarrolo y Necesidades Educatívas Especíales) because I knew about their mission and the services they provide to children with special needs and I wanted to know if there was any way we could support them,” said Tirapu Lucero. “They told me about this sports program and I immediately knew that it was going to be a great volunteer experience for our service members, because it was a fun way to stay physically active while giving back to the community.”

Over the months NAVSTA Rota volunteers have assisted in 29 events totaling over200hours Ofthethree-to-fourSailors whoattendeachweek,twohavebeenregulars Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Michelle Mayorca, assigned to NAVSTA Rota Port Operations, and Yeoman 1st Class Reuben Adams, assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUPFLCSI)SiteRota,werebothlookingforauniquevolunteeropportunity

“I initially joined this COMREL because Ifelttheneedtobeinvolvedinthecommunity, not just be a resident, said Adams “Thereisnobetterwaytobecomeinvolved thantogivebackwithyourtime.”

Tirapu Lucero’s goal was not to only donatetheirtimebutfindopportunitiesfor servicememberstoformrelationshipswith locals

“COMRELs are always a great opportunitytomeetSpanishpeopleandgetinvolved in the community while gaining volunteer hours,”saidTirapuLucero “ThisCOMREL was especially important because it was a small, weekly event providing a perfect opportunityforthechildrenandthevolunteers.”

Each week, the volunteers showed up to assistthecoordinators,PaulaandPatricia,in groupactivities “Westartoffbystretchingandwarmups,” said Mayorca. “Then we try to get them to participate in various sports whether it be playingsoccer,freezetag,etc.”

Overseveralmonths MayorcaandAdams developedfriendshipwithmanyofthechildren. By being present at each class they were able to provide consistency for the youth.

“IkeepgoingbackbecauseIfeelasthough meeting someone new constantly may be difficult[forthem],”saidMayorca.“Ifeltthat over time I can build that relationship with eachandeveryoneofthem.”

Theirweeklycommitmenttothechildren is visibly seen in the excited greetings from eachofthechildrenastheyarrive.

“I have been able to cultivate a solid relationship with the participants by being committed and dependable,” said Adams “Nothing brightens up the children more than seeing a familiar smiling face each week.”

Astheclasscomestoanendfortheschool year, Mayorca and Adams reflect on how they’veenjoyedtheirtimevolunteeringwith thisprogram.

“ThebestpartofthisCOMRELiswatching the children develop and become more activeeachweek,”saidAdams

For Mayorca, it was experiencing firsthand their focus while trying to learn new things For her it was a perspective change thatmadehergratefulforthetime

“Itwasthelittlethingsthatmadeitworthwhile,”shesaid

Thisvolunteeropportunitywillresumein thefall.Ifyouareinterestedinvolunteering in this program or other COMRELs in the local area,