Special Olympics Groton is seeking volunteers to help coach bowlers from September to November. Please consider helping out a range of folks from 8 years old on up.

Here’s what some of our volunteers are saying about their experience:

Coach Max says “It makes me feel good when I know I am making an athlete happy. Every athlete feels like a part of my family.”

Unified Partner Matt, 24, says, “These guys are my friends! I love coming every week!”

Longtime coach Lisa says “Seeing the smile on an athlete’s face when they complete their event or accomplish a goal that they have set is priceless. The athletes have taught me that no obstacle is too big to overcome as long as one has the desire to succeed. To me, it is all about acceptance, inclusion and respect for people.”

Volunteers must commit to practice once a week on Sundays at Spare Time Bowling in Groton from 9:45 a.m. to noon. Practices run through Nov. 11, with no practice on Oct. 7.

There will also be a Bowling Invitational Sunday, Oct. 28 at Silver Lanes in East Hartford, and the state games Nov. 18 in Milford.

To volunteer or find out more information, call (860) 536-5691 or email ecicchese@groton-ct.gov. Friends can also follow Special Olympians on Facebook at facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsGroton.

Eileen Cicchese is director of the Groton Special Olympics program that serves athletes throughout southeastern Connecticut.

To submit a BE AN ANGEL item seeking community help, email times@theday.com.