Lance Doll discovered his passion for volunteering with the swing of a golf club – on a Putt Putt course in Dayton, Ohio. As a participant in Special Olympics Ohio’s Corporate Games equivalent, Battle of the Businesses, Lance was paired with a team of Special Olympics athletes and their parents for a round of mini-golf.

“That event was my first interaction with Special Olympics athletes and I really had a great time,” said Lance, now one of Special Olympics Virginia’s most dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. “When I moved to Virginia shortly thereafter, I knew I wanted to look for opportunities to get involved with Special Olympics again.”

After attending a Special Olympics Virginia information session in 2007 at the Innsbrook Foundation, Lance decided to take on the task of organizing a group from his workplace, MeadWestvaco, to come out to volunteer at Summer Games. Lance has served as MeadWestvaco’s liaison to Special Olympics Virginia ever since. He has helped coordinate the organization’s ever growing volunteer numbers for both Summer and Corporate Games, and also has spearheaded MeadWestvaco’s very own Fall Sports Clinic, benefitting Urban Programs.

“I like the idea of exposing more people to Special Olympics,” he said. “Watching my coworkers’ faces light up as they interact with the athletes is what keeps me coming back. Seeing them get involved for the first time was great; not only did they impact the athletes, but I think the experience changed their lives, too.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area, visit our volunteers section or contact our Volunteer Manager.