SAAC Sponsors Special Olympic Basketball Tournament at Wellness Center

SAAC Sponsors Special Olympic Basketball Tournament at Wellness Center

WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) sponsored 10 Special Olympic basketball teams to a tournament Sunday at Worcester State's Wellness Center.

Games were played in both John P. Brissette Court and in the multipurpose gymnasium. Highlights of the event can be found on Worcester State SAAC's Instagram page, @wsusaac.

"SAAC is honored to have hosted the 2019 Special Olympics at the Worcester State Wellness Center," said Worcester State SAAC, via president and Lancer men's ice hockey player Matthew Manning (Novi, Mich.). "It was a day filled with fun and healthy competition for all the athletes and fans who attended. The student-athletes involved in SAAC enjoy supporting athletes of all abilities from the community. We are already looking forward to and planning for next year’s Special Olympics event. Thank you to all the players, coaches, parents and Worcester State staff who made this event enjoyable."

"Each year, I am impressed with our student-athletes and their success with this event," said Worcester State women's lacrosse coach, coordinator of student-athlete support services, and SAAC advisor Kelly Downs. "They enjoy hosting Special Olympics and providing them with a fun yet competitive atmosphere. We even had two alumni come back this year because they enjoy the event so much."

SAAC is an NCAA initiative with the goal of enhancing the student-athlete experience on campus. Every NCAA institution has a SAAC, as well as every conference. "Each committee is made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience and offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on campus," says the NCAA on its website.

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