Student-athletes come together for an epic event
From Alfred State College,
Over three hundred students from thirteen local school districts enjoyed a picture-perfect day at the Special Olympics Track & Field Spectacular held at Alfred State.
Students participated in an Olympic style march into the stadium and recited the Special Olympics oath before competing in both running and field events. Each athlete participated in a running event ranging from a 25m run or walk all the way up to a 400m run or walk. The athletes also had a choice of participating in a jumping or a throwing event.
Alfred State Women’s Soccer Coach Anne Holmok teamed with Women’s Basketball Coach Taylor Button to coordinate the event. The rest of the Athletic Department staff, hundreds of Pioneer student-athletes, and volunteers from across campus pitched in to put on the event.
Holmok thought that this year’s event might have been one of the best. “What a wonderful day. The weather was beautiful, and we had record numbers of our student-athletes helping run the events. This event gets better every year, and it is by far one of my favorite days of the school year. The smiles and high fives are the best part of the day.”
The Athletic Department started the Special Olympics Track & Field Spectacular in 2013 as the college was beginning the transition to NCAA Division III competition. Division III Athletic Departments across the country support Special Olympics by hosting similar events or fundraisers.
The Track & Field Spectacular has been honored with numerous awards over the years. Most recently, the 2023 event was named the runner-up for the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) Special Olympics, Community Service Award.
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