Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Marion

Name: Frank Marion

County: Miami-Dade County

Volunteer Roles and Experience: I am the head delegate at Homestead Sr. High School, lead clinician for Miami Dade in flag football, basketball, and track. I also assist with being the lead official for football and basketball competitions. I’m a Unified partner for bowling and bocce.

My flag football team has been to two Special Olympics USA Games, winning gold both times. Our Unified Champion Schools teams have won FHSAA State Championships multiple times in flag football, basketball, bowling and track. I’ve been one of the coaches for the Inter Miami Unified Soccer Team for the past five years.

Why I Volunteer: My very first experience with Special Olympics was when I became the Adaptive PE teacher at Homestead. My very first sports were powerlifting and basketball, and from that the rest is history. I love being part of Special Olympics Florida. It means so much to me because over the years I've seen the impact it has on the athletes as well as Unified partners. The smiles that it puts on everyone's face, the friendships that are formed, the opportunities that have been given through Special Olympics are unforgettable.

It has given athletes and partners a chance to travel, to explore. For some athletes just seeing the world outside their neighborhood is amazing. That's why I do it. If I'm able to improve someone’s circumstances, make them smile through a new experience, or give them confidence to overcome an obstacle, I’m happy!

To anyone that is thinking about becoming a volunteer, I say do it. You will change an athlete’s world, and they will change yours.