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Miles welcomes special athletes to Idaho

Millie Miles (left) and Andrew White helped make
Special Olympics Games special

Millie Miles, an automated system manager for ITD’s Division of Highways, joined a number of colleagues recently to help Idaho welcome the world for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Like many volunteers, Miles’ contributions and rewards came in a variety of venues.

“During the Games I worked as a bus guide, chauffer, coach’s assistant and tour guide,” she explains. “I had a great time interacting with teams from across the world. My most memorable experience was with an athlete I had assisted the day before, proudly showing me her new hearing aid, received through the Healthy Athletes program.”

Her volunteer efforts began the Wednesday before the games opened, helping greet teams as they arrived at the Boise Municipal Airport and guiding them to awaiting buses for transportation to the Welcome Center. Teams ranged from a few athletes and chaperones to large contingents.

“It was great to be part of the crowd welcoming teams to Idaho,” she said.

“Volunteering for both the 2008 Invitational Games and the 2009 World Winter Games has been a life-changing experience. Being surrounded by people who push to be their best, and enjoy doing it, has been so inspiring I’ve signed up to volunteer with the Idaho Special Olympics.”