Alpha Sigma Phi shows their dedicated spirit of volunteerism by working with the Special Olympics Active Lifestyles program.

“They have come to practice every single time; that’s unusual for volunteers,” Catie Butcher, Active Lifestyles program director, said.

Active Lifestyles encourages participation in community-based recreation and leisure opportunities ranging from basketball to dances.

Volunteers work as assistant coaches by training program participants every Monday and Wednesday. Five to eight coaches work with participants at a time.

Approximately 15 members of the fraternity volunteer on a permanent basis, Tom Frizelle of Alpha Sigma Phi said.

“They are very responsible people who have gotten to know the kids so much that the kids really trust them,” Butcher said.

The program currently has more than 200 children and adult participants with mental retardation or developmental disabilities, Butcher said.

The members of Alpha Sigma Phi started volunteering for the Special Olympics state volleyball tournament last year, he said.

“It started out as just helping out, but it has really turned into something long-term,” Frizelle said.

Ty Heifner, a former Iowa State cheerleader and member of Alpha Sigma Phi, will start coaching cheerleading for Active Lifestyles during their basketball season.

“Not all participants are able to play basketball, so we thought this would be a way to get them involved,” Frizelle said.

Frizelle volunteered in the Special Olympics volleyball tournament last year, which he said was a rewarding experience, but he said he prefers coaching.

“Coaching teams is what I found most beneficial because you get to know the players on a one-to-one basis. It makes me feel good to know that I can help others achieve success,” Frizelle said.