SAAC Hosts Special Olympics Event At Lancer Gymnasium

The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on their experience. The committee is made up of representatives from each of Worcester State’s 20 varsity sports and are charged with the responsibility in assisting the administrative process of athletic programs and the NCAA, and to recommend, comment and review on the activities of subjects of interest. Every year SAAC engages itself in a local and conference community service activity.

On the weekend of March 10-11, SAAC partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts to help facilitate their annual winter basketball and floor hockey events. Members of 10 different teams were on hand to spend their time trying to make a difference. We spoke with SAAC staff representative John Meany, SAAC President Molly Hein and event participant Michel’le St. Pierre.

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John Meany - How did SAAC first become involved with the Special Olympics? What were the responsibilities of the volunteers?

Special Olympics of Massachusetts was looking for a facility for their winter games events an d when they came to view the Lancer Gym, they had asked us if we would like to be involved with the games. Last year the NCAA Division III National SAAC started a relationship with Special Olympics and we thought it was an opportunity to get involved with.

Volunteers helped set-up and breakdown tables while we also placed people to run the tables. A concession stand was available and other volunteers organized lunches for the participants.

Molly Hein – Tell me about the basketball event on campus and how it was run?

Anyone can participate in the Special Olympics games, so there were a variety of ages and levels taking part in the tournament. Eight different teams played 14 games on Saturday and eight games on Sunday. We had a ton of volunteers who helped run the event and others cheered on the participants from the sidelines.

I thought that it was a successful event, things were run smoothly and the Special Olympic athletes and volunteers were easy to work with.

Molly Hein – While there was an event in the gym going on, you also ran an “Olympic Town.” What kind of activities did you have going on in the Lancer Lounge?

While the Special Olympic athletes weren’t participating in the games, we had an “Olympic Town” set-up where you could do a bean bag toss, checkers or bowling. It was a place where the student-athletes could really engage with the Special Olympics athletes.

Michel’le St. Pierre – You took the opportunity to get really involved during the games with the Special Olympic athletes. What kind of things did you do and what was your perspective on the event itself?

During the games I took the opportunity to interact with the athletes, do defensive cheers and we did the "dougie." Even if the players weren't participating in the games, they still cheered on both teams.

It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, you really realize some people have it so much worse. (The Special Olympics athletes) really had the best spirit and they really know how to bring the life out in people.

Members of the area ROTC unit were on hand to present medals and ribbons - 1st through 4th place. There were a lot of smiles. The entire experience still makes me smile.

What are some other future activities that SAAC will be participating in down the road?

Molly Hein - We are going to the MASCAC SAAC meeting next month where we are going to decide on a community service project. Once that is determined, we are going to get involved.

Michel’le St. Pierre – We had a great turnout this year, hopefully we can get more support next year. I know Clark does it every year; maybe we can make this a trend.

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