WHEELING, W.Va. — The 2013 West Virginia Area 1 Special Olympics Spring Games were held at Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5th.
Over 160 athletes from Monongalia, Marshall, Hancock, Preston, Brooke and Ohio counties competed for medals in a variety of aquatic and track & field events. Other activities include arts and crafts, music, sports and dancing for both athletes and volunteers.
“This isn’t just an event for our students. We extend the opportunity for the community as well. The athletes love seeing people come to support them and cheer for them during their events,” said Adrienne Tharp, Director of Service for Social Action Center at WJU.
Now in its 13th year, the West Virginia Area I Special Olympics Spring Games opened with the inspirational carrying of the Special Olympics torch. The Athletes entered onto the Cardinals’ 400-meter outdoor track, in the spirit of the International Olympic Games.
“I love the joy of the athletes as they compete and participate in the various events, clinics and activities conducted by the WJU students and community volunteers.” said Linda Cole, Ohio County Special Olympics Coordinator
Special Olympics offers athletes the chance to compete in events such as shot-put competitions, softball throws, walking and running events, the long jump, bocce and swimming. Between events, WJU athletes lead sport clinics such as, volleyball, basketball, baseball, lacrosse and soccer clinics, crafts and dancing, which were held in the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
“Our student athletes are very enthusiastic about volunteering on such a big day for the Special Olympians as they pursue their goals through competition.” said Deborah Buff, WJU Women’s Basketball Head Coach.
The Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Circle K International, Student Government Association, the Service for Social Action Center and many others are worked together for the event. Representatives from these organizations work to recruit volunteers and organize activities for Special Olympics.
Lunch was provided by the Wheeling Kiwanis Club, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 32 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. Special Olympics currently serves 3.7 million athletes, ages eight years and above, in more than 170 countries. West Virginia’s program is headquartered in Charleston, W.Va.
Wheeling Jesuit University, one of 28 colleges and universities in the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and service to others, educates the whole person– caring for the mind, body and spirit of each student. Wheeling Jesuit University was founded in 1954 with a philosophy rooted in the Jesuit educational tradition that spans more than 450 years. Academic excellence, a commitment to serve others and the desire to educate the whole person – these are the values that make a Jesuit education unique.
