Courtesy of Salem State Sports Information

Salem, Mass. -- On Sunday, February 12,  the Salem State University Athletics & Recreation department hosted seven Special Olympics basketball teams in a half day tournament. Salem State was approached by Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA) to host the event as their teams are preparing for their upcoming regional games.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) worked with staff to implement a tournament schedule and recruit volunteers for the event. SAAC wanted to provide a full game atmosphere, as the Special Olympic athletes  received the same game-day experience as the varsity student-athletes, which included, music during time outs and in-between games, the Vikings' mascot, and Salem State students showing their support from the stands. Student-athletes, athletics and recreation staff, and coaches volunteered as officials, scorekeepers, announcers, and event managers.

"We are extremely proud of the ability to host this type of event for Special Olympics" said Nicolle Wood, coordinator for student-athlete affairs. "This is the third year we have hosted this event, and I honestly think it gets better each year. The energy and enthusiasm that the athletes bring to the tournament is an amazing thing to be part of." 

Salem State will be hosting another Special Olympics athletics clinic on April 23rd as part of a conference wide community service event. For more info, contact Nicolle Wood at nwood@salemstate or call (978)542-6991.