Coaches Spotlight On

Yolanda Mathews began volunteering with Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) as a Police Officer and Law Enforcement Torch Run Coordinator with the Phoenix P.D. in the Maryvale Precinct.  She retired after 21 years of service and soon realized retirement was not for her.  Yolanda then decided to take on a position with the City of Tempe Adapted Recreation Program and eventually became the city Special Olympics Coordinator.  “I knew, while working for the police department, volunteering or working for the special needs population is what I wanted to do, it was where I felt I could help most,” said Mathews.

When asked what she enjoys about working with Special Olympics athletes, Yolanda stated, “I enjoy most, seeing the excitement and exhilaration on the faces of Special Olympics athletes when they compete.  They are happy to be a part of the sport and are not concerned about scouts or million dollar contracts.  The talent and skill I have seen on Special Olympics playing fields is deserving of the same accolades given to non-disabled athletes.”

Mathews mentioned, “My best experience came when, after working with a non-verbal teen for two years, she mustered up the words ‘Thank you’ and gave me a big smile.  I could not contain the joy I felt and gave her a big hug. Now, every time I see her, she leans into me for a hug.  Those are the only words I ever heard her speak.”

Yolanda coaches golf, bowling and kayaking (pictured above at Tempe Town Lake) and coordinates 10 Special Olympics sports in the City of Tempe.  She has been involved with SOAZ for 13 years.