Largest Student-Run Special Olympics Concludes At Villanova
By Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The 27th Pennsylvania Special Olympics wrapped up Sunday at Villanova University after three days of young athletes with special needs scoring big.
With 1,600 athletes and coaches and more than 2,000 volunteers, the largest student-run Special Olympics concluded with medals, awards and a dance routine from Villanova students.
19-year-old Joseph from York won a bronze medal for soccer.
"I just played soccer with my teammates, and worked together to try to score in the net," he tells KYW Newsradio. "I met some athletes from Allegheny County, and from Pittsburgh."
His dad, David, says they attend the games each year, and Joseph enjoys bonding with kids from other parts of the state:
"We've been to many different colleges for different Special Olympic events, but Villanova does it really well. It's best in class."
Each team had Villanova student volunteers matched with the Olympians. Junior Eric says the experience is priceless:
"We do this because we want to, not because we have to, and it's amazing to learn the lessons each and every day with the athlete interactions, and there's nothing better. It's an amazing experience."
He adds it's incredible to have the athletes come from all over the state to unite in this one event.
