Special Olympics Texas: First Aid and Cooling Station

Dallas, TX

Investing in our communities is paramount to Brandt. As a proud state-wide sponsor of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), we welcome opportunities to support the organization. SOTX provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in various Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

In Summer 2021, our interns had the opportunity to witness first-hand the care we provide to our communities by contributing to the transformation of an empty field trailer into a first aid and cooling station. Completed in November 2021, its purpose is for athletes to cool down and receive medical attention in between events. It includes air conditioning on the interior, six misting fans on the exterior, and a medical bed and sink. Adam Maher, Engineer 1, who oversaw the project this summer, assisting the interns with the engineering and design aspect, stated, “they were involved from the start and hit the ground running as soon as they arrived at Brandt. The interns completed the trailer’s design in Revit and selected the necessary equipment to meet the design requirements. Additionally, they coordinated directly with the fabrication shop regularly once construction began.”

One of the interns, Daniel Blaney, will graduate from The University of North Texas in May 2022 with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology. His contribution to the trailer focused on the electrical side, calculating loads of the rooftop units (RTUs), pumps, fans, and other electrical components, ensuring the generator could support all the devices. According to Daniel, “Both the project and internship aligned with the work I’ve done in the field as an electrician and with the material I’ve been studying in school, allowing me to help make this trailer a successful project.”

Another intern, Ethan Nguy, attends The University of Texas-San Antonio and will be graduating in 2023 with a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His work over the summer differed from his studies, providing a challenge and opportunity for growth. “I learned many lessons from mentors that were paramount for my career. This internship had taught me how companies interact with each other, how teamwork and communication is a vital part of any given situation, the steps required for safety, and some handy-man skills that could help out with ordinary home problems,” Ethan said.

The North Texas (NTX) fabrication shop made this idea come alive. This group contributed heavily to the effort, working many hours to complete the project successfully. According to Mike Clarke, Fabrication Director, “We were proud to be given the opportunity to donate our time and effort to such a great cause. The history of the Special Olympics dates to 1963, and to be able to participate in an effort that provides comfort and relief to the athletes touches our hearts. The pride and quality of workmanship that our teams put into this exemplify one of our core values – Care.”