Game Changers

OEC employees volunteer at the Oklahoma Special Olympics

Volunteers from 25 Oklahoma electric co-ops came together in Stillwater in May to assist with the Special Olympics Summer Games. Five OEC representatives attended among the record 155 co-op volunteers in Stillwater.

Media Specialist Erin Garcia, Service Technician Shane Dominey, Member Services Associate Julie Le, Journeyman Power Lineman Jacob McFarlane and District 7 Trustee Danny Watters joined other co-op employees and family members as they assisted with track and field events.

Four thousand athletes from across the state participated in the Summer Games. During the three-day event, athletes competed in track and field, bocce, bowling, golf, horseshoes, powerlifting, basketball and softball.

"I didn’t really know what to expect, but athletes were so pumped, and it was honestly amazing," Le said. "I’m really proud I got to be a part of it."

In addition to OEC's volunteers, the OEC Foundation, Inc. via Operation Round Up® donates funds to area Special Olympics teams each year. That funding is made possible by members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.

"I am so proud of these young people and their tenacity to overcome their obstacles and win," Garcia said. "The high fives were endless, the smiles were priceless, and I will treasure every minute."