WPU News
Mon, Apr. 30, 2012 - [WPU]
Six teams from William Penn were involved in the event
Six teams from William Penn were involved in the event
Oskaloosa--As part of the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative, well over 100 members from six William Penn athletic teams volunteered their time at the Southeast Iowa Area Special Olympics earlier this month.

Players and coaches from volleyball, women's golf, cheerleading, women's soccer, men's soccer, and women's basketball assisted in different roles to help the event. It is the third year in a row that the University has hosted the Special Olympics in the Penn Activity Center. Several of the teams ran competitions, while others escorted players and handed out awards in addition to other responsibilities.

Some of the events in which the athletes competed included the standing and running long jumps, softball toss, several wheelchair races, and numerous running and walking events.

"This event was tailor-made for the William Penn athletes as they give their all in support of the number of Special Olympians who came through the PAC," Women's Soccer Coach Willie McGowan said. "For our soccer players to be a part of it was truly an honor and gave our players a chance to give back to the community.  To see what the Olympians can achieve with all the various obstacles in their way shows the true spirit of being an athlete. It was a great learning experience for our players to witness those children and adults compete in the various disciplines."

"This is an event that our team looks forward to each year," Volleyball Head Coach Jeremy Wise said. "It is our spring community service project we do each year and I believe our players get as much out of the day as those athletes who participate.  Our team understands the importance of giving back to the community and being able to help with such a great event is a real plus for them. They really enjoy interacting with young people and the special athletes."

To learn more about the Special Olympics, click here