Related Links:Special Olympics OhioCapital University student-athletes walked in the shoes of their coaches Sunday afternoon, working with Special Olympics athletes of all ages at the Capital Center Field House in a non-sanctioned initiative.
Capital’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) sponsored the event, which featured over 40 Crusader student-athletes working with approximately 25 local athletes with disabilities and their families.
Nearly every Capital team was represented in teaching the basics and fundamentals of soccer, track & field, baseball, golf, volleyball and basketball. Participants also enjoyed cornhole and arts & crafts stations.
“It’s really cool to see all the smiles today,” said SAAC co-president Wes Holler, a junior on the men’s golf team. “No matter what their disabilities are, these kids are still able to come out and play sports with the support of their families. It makes us, as student-athletes, realize how blessed we are to be able to play every day.”
According to Holler, SAAC hopes to build on Sunday’s event and hold it on a much larger scale this spring to serve the approximately 200 Special Olympics athletes in the Columbus area.
Holler said the organization, which is advised by Capital volleyball coach Pam Briggs, will reach out to local Special Olympics chapters and hopes to get other organizations on campus involved at future events.