Austen Travers
Junior criminal justice major Edwin Romero has been helping the Rome community for the past five years working as a referee for wheelchair soccer. You only have one life, why not live it to its fullest! He is motivated by these words to keep serving these children.
Romero was asked by one of his friends to go help referee wheelchair soccer. He decided to go and fell in love with the people that run it. While refereeing the games, he met Eric Dornan, one of the soccer players. Dornan asked Romero to come work for him. That was five years ago and Romero is still working for him.
Dornan stated that Romero is a hard worker and is willing to help wherever he can.
“Edwin is a very hard worker and helps me with everything that I need,” commented Dornan. “He drives me wherever I need to go and takes care of anything that I might require assistance with.”
Romero has also been helping at the Kick It Shop, where David Ruelas builds and sells power wheel chairs.
Ruleas noted that Romero is a big help around the shop and is willing to help whenever they need him.
“Edwin has been helping us for a while now, and he has done an amazing job working and connecting with people,” said Ruleas.
Ruleas is the founder of Fernando Foundation, a non-profit organization based out of Duluth. The organization is committed to the growth of power chair soccer in the U.S. and abroad. Power soccer is one of the fastest growing sports for individuals in wheelchairs. The games are played with four people on each team.
Power soccer has many benefits such as boosting confidence, gaining special awareness and mobility in their chairs. The players are not the only ones who improve their skills; the coaches and volunteers learn patience.
Dornan is grateful for how much Romero hadds to his life.
Dornan said “I am very blessed to have his help, and I am very thankful for what he does and has done for me and my family.”
Romero is glad he is doing something productive with his free time.
“It feels good to know that I am making a difference in someone’s life, knowing I am doing something good rather than being lazy all the time is a great feeling,” said Romero.
There are many ways to help this foundation, one way is just giving your time, another is by donating and lastly you can sponsor a child.
