The dedication of Dallas Diocese Chapter Knights of Columbus in 2024 to Special Olympics events is easily measured in one way, by the numbers: 

Almost 150 Knights representing 20 councils across the diocese volunteered as awards facilitators at Special Olympics activities in basketball, bowling, aquatics plus track and field.

That amounted to 1,222 total hours volunteered benefiting 4,325 special athletes.

For the bowling alone, 52 Knights coming from 15 councils put in 595 total hours to assist 2,000 athletes.

But it’s also possible to judge that dedication by how the volunteers themselves came away from the experience, whether in the official duty of handing out medals, visiting with those who reached the podiums to chatting with them, their families and friends adding to an enjoyable day.  

“It is a very rewarding experience,” said Phil Coup, a member of Council 10245 in Coppell who has volunteered at K.C. Special Olympics events for 18 years and has long served as the diocesan coordinator – which includes the mammoth task of scheduling Knights at various Special Olympics venues over multiple days. “We have the best job. And once someone helps, they usually come back again and again. 

“It’s inspiring to see these special people work so hard to overcome their handicaps. I’ve had many comments that ‘When you hung a medal on one of the athletes and saw the excitement on their face, it made my day!’ It’s so inspiring!”

Thanks to all the Knights who volunteered for this event.