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Special
Olympics Fall Festival 2004
By Krystin Fischer
'05
Playing host to the
 Special
Olympics of Pennsylvania Fall Festival is one of Villanova University’s
proudest traditions. Every year, approximately 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches,
and hundreds of family and community members flock to campus for an exciting
weekend of athletic competition and sportsmanship. This year was the 16th
annual Fall Festival and it took place from Nov. 12 through Nov. 14. The
theme was Light’s, Camera, Athletes. During Opening and Closing Ceremonies,
Olympic Town, and award presentations, venues were adorned with Hollywood
themed props that truly made each athlete feel like a shining star.
The Special Olympics Fall Festival Committee is
comprised of 73 Villanova
 students,
a faculty advisor and a Special Olympics of Pennsylvania liaison. Villanova
University is the only student-run Special Olympics in the country. Students
organized every aspect of the weekend starting months before the festival
arrived. Every sporting venue, special event and the behind the scenes work
and preparation is delegated to groups of students dedicated to the athletes
that inspired the spirit of Special Olympics.
Despite the torrential downpour on Friday, the
campus buzzed with energy and anticipation. Thousands
of volunteers, both on campus students and local members of the community
dedicated their time to ensure each facet of the festival ran smoothly. On
Saturday and Sunday the sun was shinning and all competition was able to
continue and finish on time. The Special Olympics Oath, repeated during
Opening Ceremonies, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt,” left an impression on junior Matthew Harris, director of
administration who stated, “The Special Olympics oath is inspiring and
perfect for this event. The focus is on effort, teamwork, and bravery, not
on winners and losers. It doesn't
 matter
whether a team or individual wins or loses, but the mindset with which they
approach and play the game.” In talking with festival director, Colleen
Gruffi `05, she spoke about courage and confidence being the primary factors
that drive these athletes to succeed.
Throughout the three days of competition in soccer,
volleyball,
 bocce,
power lifting, long distance running and roller skating, athletes from over
40 counties all over the state united under Villanova’s roof and played with
the spirit of the blue and white! Senior Scott Donnelly, director of
competition stated at the conclusion of the festival, “Special Olympics
represents the purest form of sportsmanship. Watching two
 soccer
teams go at it tooth and nail is an inspiring sight. The best part, however,
is watching an athlete reach down and pick a member of the opposing team up
once the whistle blows.” |
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