WILL Showdown Cup

 On May 25, I had the privilege of volunteering at the WILL Showdown Cup, where I helped impaired individuals navigate their way around the waiting room and the hallways. When I first heard about vision impaired table tennis, I was intrigued, yet a bit skeptical, wondering how such a fast-paced game could be played without the ability to physically see the ball. My curiosity led me to sign up as a volunteer, and when I saw the first game, it was incredible. The players, who were blindfolded to ensure a fair match, were navigating the tables with precision and great strength. The athletes ability to navigate such a rapid ball using only their auditory skills amazed me. 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of this volunteering experience was building connections with some of the players. The players seemed very enthusiastic and they were eager to share their stories and experiences with me. In the waiting room, while waiting for his match, one of the athletes had started a conversation, sharing about all of the different types of sports and competitions he had been participating in, which was very inspiring to hear about. 

As a volunteer, my role was to stay in the waiting room and help the athletes get to their designated rooms when it was their turn to play, help them find equipment, and get them anything they needed. One of the most critical tasks was to ensure the players’ safety, as they could get into an accident. 

My journey volunteering at the WILL Showdown Cup was more than just volunteer work. This experience was extremely eye-opening and inspiring. These incredible athletes have shown me that strong determination and hard-work can help overcome any challenge. Also, another thing that stood out to me was how supportive players were for each other. During each other's games, they would cheer each other on and celebrate each other's successes. This sense of community was very uplifting and created a positive and encouraging environment during the tournament.