Mount Athletes Partner with Special Olympics for On-Campus Event
4/19/2016
Riverdale, N.Y. – Since 2011, the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete-Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Special Olympics have entered into a partnership seeking to enhance the lives of Division III student athletes and Special Olympic athletes through a mutual learning experience by providing a platform for recognition of Special Olympic athletes and Division III student athletes within their communities and raising awareness of Special Olympics, its programs, and services.
On Saturday, April 16, the University of Mount Saint Vincent Athletic Department and CMSV SAAC took the first step and welcomed Special Olympics NY to the Peter Jay Sharp Athletic & Recreation Facility for a day full of games and fun.
With over 100 participants in attendance, including student athlete volunteers, Special Olympic athletes, coaches and supporters, the day began with an “Olympic Style” Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m.
During the opening ceremony, each team had their own personalized introductions, a student athlete parade, a torch run through the gymnasium, and an athletes’ pledge. The games officially began at 10:00 a.m., with CMSV SAAC volunteers serving as coaches, cheerleaders, referees, and water boys/girls during the six-game basketball tournament.
“We encourage our CMSV student athletes to strive for excellence in all that they do and those that were able to volunteer their time to host the Special Olympics basketball tournament, truly embody this ideal,” said CMSV Director of Athletics Laura Pruitt. “To be able to support a tremendous cause and to have so many student athletes emerge as leaders within the community, while supporting athletes who inspire us all, made this one of the most memorable days since joining the ‘Phin family and I can’t wait to host future events with Special Olympics NY.”
“These events provide our athletes not only with a venue but supportive people that they can showcase their talents in front of,” said Special Olympics NY Program Specialist David Durandisse. “The student athlete volunteers are given a chance to see what our athletes can do and it gives them an opportunity to give their time and share in an experience. Through sport, much is learned, much is gained and much is achieved,” said Mr. Durandisse.
Rachel Gabriel, a senior member of the Women’s Volleyball team, was instrumental in leading CMSV SAAC’s partnership with Special Olympics NY.
“From the minute the athletes entered the gym, they greeted everyone with smiles and high-fives and their enthusiasm spread to everyone they interacted with,” said Ms. Gabriel. “To see each of these athletes bring enthusiasm to every moment was really inspiring and provides us (student athletes) with a guide on how we should act on the court or field.”
Events like the Special Olympics basketball tournament not only provide the opportunity for CMSV student athletes to give back to their community but also to showcase their leadership skills, which will benefit them long after their days as CMSV Dolphins end.
Junior and member of the CMSV Women’s Basketball team, Christina Barone volunteered and feels this experience and future ones will benefit everyone involved.
“This event was such a positive experience,” said Ms. Barone. The energy and excitement the Special Olympic athletes brought throughout the whole day really rubbed off on all the volunteers. I can’t wait to be apart of future events.”
“Planning this event with Coach Pruitt and other members of CMSV SAAC has absolutely helped me improve my leadership qualities,” said Ms. Gabriel. “I am so grateful to all the student athletes that came to volunteer for the event and I hope we can continue to participate and host events like this because the rewards that come out of them are priceless.”
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.