Nov. 10, 2014 Villanova, Pa. - Nov. 10, 2014 Villanova, Pa. - 
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Regarded as the largest university student-run Special Olympics event in the world, Villanova University welcomed over 1,500 coaches, athletes and Unified Partners to campus Nov. 7-9 to celebrate the 26th Annual Fall Festival. Athletes competed in bocce, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, roller skating, soccer and volleyball.
The weekend was centered on a Superhero theme of "Athletes Today, Heroes Forever" as the entire campus was transformed for the event. The weekend was highlighted by the Opening Ceremonies with live entertainment, the Taney Dragons Little League and numerous activities between events as Healthy Athletes® sponsored "Olympic Town" activities including a Victory Dance and Closing Ceremonies.
Healthy Athletes® is a program in which volunteer health care professionals provide free health screenings and education to Special Olympic athletes in the form of eye, ear, dental and podiatry assessments.
In essence of the culture that Villanova Wildcats uphold, every single varsity team participated in the weekend's activities. Student-athletes volunteered in competitions and assisted in giving out medals at the award ceremony on throughout the day on Sunday.
"Special Olympics Weekend is really a Villanova community event based around the tradition of athletic competition," said Student Services Coordinator Allison Venella. "The weekend is not centered solely on winning and losing but rather the opportunity to compete in a sport these athletes love while gaining lasting memories through competition."
"My favorite part of volunteering was seeing the excitement on all of the athlete's faces," said junior Michelle Adams, a member of the volleyball team. "We had a lot of fun giving high-fives to everyone and congratulating them. I think that volunteering is a huge part of the Villanova community. Not only do we help others, but we grow closer together as we open our hearts."
"My favorite part of the weekend was seeing my teammates interact with the athletes in O-Town," said senior Chris Gough, kicker for the football team. "The dance-offs that ensued were priceless. Activities like Special Olympics are incredible to be a part of. Volunteering at events such as this helps remind us of how fortunate we are to be a part of the Villanova Athletics family."
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania: Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) provides year round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to nearly 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. For more information, visit our website at www.specialolympicsusa.org.
