Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information

Salem, Mass. -- On Sunday, February 21 the Salem State University Athletics & Recreation department hosted 6 Special Olympics basketball teams in a half day tournament. SSU was approached by Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA) to host an event so that the Special Olympic teams had the opportunity to prepare for their upcoming regional games.

The SSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee worked with staff to devise a tournament schedule and recruit volunteers for the event. The goal SAAC set was beyond providing a game venue – instead, the focus was on providing the Special Olympic athletes with the same game-day experience our varsity student-athletes enjoy, including having announcements over the PA system, music during timeouts and between games, the mascot, and SSU students in the stands cheering them on.
 
"We are extremely proud of the ability to host this type of event for Special Olympics" said Nicolle Wood, coordinator for student-athlete affairs. "To see how much the participants enjoyed their time here, whether during the games, practicing their skills in the clinic, or dancing with the mascot between plays, makes such a positive impact on our athletics community."
 
In addition to each team playing in two games, this event included a skills clinic for teams that were waiting for their next competition, led by varsity basketball coaches and players. Over 70 student-athletes, athletics and recreation staff, and coaches volunteered as officials, scorekeepers, announcers, and event managers. Each Special Olympics team also received cinch packs from the Gassett Fitness Center at the completion of the event.
 
"I am so honored by the work that the student-athletes at Salem State do not only to support others in our community, but also to be great ambassadors to our local Special Olympics organizations.  Special Olympics and the NCAA Division III have a truly wonderful relationship and we are thrilled to continue this partnership on our campus as well", stated Peggy Carl, Director of Athletics and Recreation.