During the games, the volunteers served as clerks for the walking and running events, checking in the athletes, gathering them into heats for their races, escorting them to the track, and cheering them on as they competed.

Adele Moreau of Wave Federal Credit Union was the unofficial hall monitor for the day. A volunteer for nearly 20 years, she whooped it up with the athletes, giving high-fives and enthusiastic fist pumps as they made their way to the track.

Rhode Island Credit Union volunteer Nancy Seale took a moment to celebrate with nephew Arthur Seale, who took home a gold medal for first place in the 200M Walk. Additionally, 18 volunteers from Coventry CU helped serve a barbecue lunch to the athletes and their guests on the closing day of the games.

"I truly, truly love watching the groups come down the hall," Moreau said. "Seeing the athletes year-after-year gives me so much joy. I love cheering them on. It's just awesome and I wouldn't miss it."

Volunteers shared that the interactions with the athletes always make for an unforgettable experience.

"These kids have so many challenges but you wouldn't know it," volunteer Kim Denny of Pawtucket Credit Union said. "By the time you get them to the event they are competing in, you've already formed a special bond and you cheer them on with tears in your eyes."

This year's credit union volunteers included staff from Kent Hospital FCU, Navigant CU, Rhode Island CU, Westerly Community CU and CUNA Mutual Group.

CURI hosts a number of events throughout the year to support Special Olympics Rhode Island financially, including golf and bowling tournaments, candy sales and direct fundraising.