(Story courtesy of Colorado College)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Colorado College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) got an early jump on its celebration of the inaugural NCAA Division III Week by teaming with Special Olympics Colorado for a Soccer Fun Day on Sunday, April 1.
Members of eight CC varsity teams – women's soccer, men's
soccer, men's basketball, women's volleyball, men's and women's
cross country and men's and women's track and field – were on
hand to teach the Special Olympians soccer skills and then
participate in “friendlies” on the Washburn Field
turf.
The special guests started the day by watching a women's soccer
training session and intra-squad scrimmage at Stewart Field.
“I was very impressed by the soccer team and the handful of
students on how they welcomed the Special Olympics Colorado
athletes and started right in with working on drills, partnering up
with the athletes,” said Georgeann Kulton, manager for
Special Olympics Colorado's Southeast Area.
“Parents who attended also were very impressed with the
soccer team and students. Everyone was very appreciative for the
clinic and expressed an interest in future events at Colorado
College.”
The CC student-athletes also staged a soccer clinic, at which
stations were set up for the Olympians to practice their dribbling,
passing and shooting skills.
"Everyone was excited about the Soccer Fun Day with the Special
Olympians,” said senior midfielder and SAAC president Marika
Viragh. “It was a valuable learning experience for
everyone.
“Sharing our passion for soccer with all the kids and adults
out there made for a very rewarding afternoon. All of the CC
athletes are looking forward to working with Special Olympics again
in the future."
One of the Special Olympians used his Facebook page to tell others
about his experience at Colorado College.
“The athlete posted what a great day he had,” Kulton
said. “He learned some new skills and drills for soccer, and
he really appreciated the soccer team joining in after they had
just finished a practice and scrimmage.
“I think this is just the beginning of a great partnership
with Colorado College and Special Olympics Colorado
athletes.”
The purpose of NCAA Division III Week is to celebrate the
division's unique philosophy placing equal value on academics,
athletics and student-athletes' involvement in a full and rich
campus life.
