Courtesy of Westfield State Sports Information

WESTFIELD, Mass. -- It was a day full of excitement, smiles, and competition despite the inclement weather at Westfield State University as more than 250 Special Olympians, cheerleaders, spectators, and student-athlete volunteers gathered at Alumni Field on a rainy and dreary Sunday in October to participate in the 2013 Massachusetts Special Olympics’ Flag Football assessment round. 

“This is our third year hosting the event and each year it continues to grow and create excitement,” said Matt Kelly, a graduate assistant in the Westfield State athletics department. “It has become extremely popular with our student athletes, and they really enjoy being able to participate.”

The student-athletes serve as volunteers ranging from referees, official scorers, ball chasers, cheerleaders and ambassadors.

“It was awesome to see these athletes get such enjoyment and excitement out of competing against each other. Not only did they compete but they competed in the right way and showed great sportsmanship,” said Dan DiMatteo of the Westfield State baseball team. “I saw smiles on their faces the entire day. It reminded me to enjoy myself while competing at the same time.”

Dan Letteriello, president of Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and Westfield State football quarterback, along with Zack Madera, captain of track and field team, welcomed the athletes and kicked off the opening ceremonies, which included a procession of the athletes into the stadium accompanied by the Olympic torch. The procession was capped by the official announcement of “let the games begin” by Kelsey Carpenter, SAAB vice-president and field hockey team member.

In holding this event, Special Olympics of Massachusetts is able to obtain evaluations and assessments of various teams across the state participating in flag football. The assessments enable Special Olympics to place each team in the appropriate tier of competition come qualifying time for the state championship, which is held later this year at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots.

“Working with Westfield State University Athletics has been a true joy for Special Olympics Massachusetts,” said John Scully, Special Olympics West Section Director. “This year in particular we cannot thank the athletics staff and student-athletes enough for their support and efforts. The event was held as scheduled even with the cold weather and at times soaking rain. The student-athletes that volunteered to support our event did not miss a beat and pushed through the cold weather with a smile on their faces! I cannot thank them enough for their efforts and support of our athletes.”