Opening Eyes. Mr. Al Brandel, President of Lions Clubs International, assists with a visual screening for Healthy Athletes Opening Eyes at the 2009 Winter World Games in Boise, Idaho. See Healthy Athletes slideshow
In the Spotlight:
Q&A with Mr. Al Brandel, President of Lions Clubs International
Special Olympics, Lions Club International and Lions Club International Foundation have a long history together. Initiated in 2001, the relationship has allowed the Special Olympics – Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes initiative to expand worldwide and provide vision screenings to more than 100,000 athletes in countries around the globe. Of course, the impact on athletes who lived in darkness but can now see thanks to this partnership can’t be measured by mere numbers. Special Olympics and Lions Club volunteers see it on the faces of athletes when they first put on the free eyeglasses received at competitions. In February 2009, more than 250 local Lions Club volunteers joined Healthy Athletes in Boise, Idaho for the World Winter Games. The event set a record for the number of Lions Club volunteers at Healthy Athletes.
Special Olympics looks forward to continuing to work with Lions Club International and Lions Club International Foundation to serve those who need it most.
In the Lions' Den
Can you explain the difference between Lions Clubs International and the Lions Clubs International Foundation?
Lions Clubs International is comprised of 1.3 million men and women who are dedicated to meeting the needs of their community. Lions meet the humanitarian needs of their local and global communities through Lions Clubs International Foundation, which awards grant funding to Lions Clubs worldwide for large-scale humanitarian projects that are too extensive for Lions to finance on their own.
Why did Lions Clubs choose to become involved with Special Olympics Healthy Athletes?
This partnership allows Lions to do what they do best—serve people worldwide. We are meeting the eye health care needs of a group of people who are typically underserved and would not have been helped without this partnership. Lions have been champions of sight for underserved people.
How has the relationship with Special Olympics met or exceeded Lions Clubs’ expectations?
This partnership exemplifies Lions “We Serve” motto. Working side by side, we have helped a typically underserved population to see better and experience a greater sense of freedom. We could not have helped more than 100,000 athletes without the volunteers from Special Olympics working alongside Lions.
What personal experience do you have with people with intellectual disability?
In my early years with Lions, my wife Maureen and I, and many Lions in our community, helped build a Habitat for Humanity home for a family with a 5-year-old with intellectual disability. Once the house was complete, the girl led Maureen by the hand into the house to show her where her room was. That was a very moving experience for us both that summarizes the importance of volunteering. I attended my first World Games in February and took part in the Opening Eyes screening at the games.
Has your experience working with Special Olympics affected you or your beliefs about intellectual disability personally? How so?
This partnership has impacted not only me, but everyone involved, including the 100,000 athletes who have been screened, the 8,000 Lions who have volunteered at the screenings and everyone else who has played a role in this program. We are making a great impact in so many lives.
Anything else you would like to add?
Maureen and I are pleased to have developed a relationship with Dr. Tim Shriver over the last few years. This helps us to maintain and expand the mission of Lions in relationship with Special Olympics, which is a win-win for all involved.