AUBURN, Mass. – This past weekend, members of the Worcester State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) volunteered with the Winter Games of the Special Olympics Massachusetts.

The Special Olympics provides year-round athletic competition for individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics helps integrate physical fitness into their lifestyles, while also giving them an opportunity to interact with friends, families, other special Olympic athletes and the community.

The Worcester State SAAC members assisted with the Special Olympics Bowling championship at Auburn AMF, helping with tasks such as keeping score, along with being there to support the participants and cheer them on during the games.

"There were a lot of shared smiles, laughs, and support for each athlete,” stated SAAC Secretary and softball player, Sam Orner. “Overall the day was highly successful, being partnered off to join a group of athletes to cheer on and keep score of their bowls! As simple as that sounds, the impact was tremendous. Watching both the athletes and our own members faces light up all day long was rewarding in itself.”

"What I enjoyed about Special Olympics was working with them and cheering them on,” commented Co-SAAC Treasurer and football player, Maligie Kallon. “Making them smile was probably the best part of the whole event. If I were asked to do the event again, I would gladly say yes. I enjoyed every minute of it."

"Our athletes continue to do a great job not only on the field but also in the community,” said SAAC Advisor, Kelly Downs. “The collaboration between Division III and the Special Olympics is a great relationship. Next year in the new building we are hopeful to host a special Olympic basketball winter game and get more of our athletics involved in the longstanding partnership.”

“Special Olympics would not exist without the energy, commitment, and enthusiasm of the volunteers,” commented Orner. “We were happy we could help continue the tradition!”