Although the Colonials lost to St. Bonaventure Saturday night, the GW crowd had something to cheer about: the university’s first Special Olympics Night.
About 100 Special Olympians and special education students attended the women’s basketball game. The Special Olympians were matched up with GW athletes who acted as their “buddies” and sat with them during the game. Special Olympic athletes also scrimmaged during the game’s halftime.
The idea for the Special Olympics Night came from Sarah-Jo Lawrence, GW sports marketing and promotions coordinator.
“I have a sister with special needs who participated in Special Olympics throughout her youth,” says Ms. Lawrence, who is a former GW women’s basketball player. “I thought this would be an inspirational event that could become a university tradition.”
Women’s basketball player Sara Mostafa calls the experience meaningful. “It was really great to have the Special Olympic athletes at our game and to see them teaming up with GW athletes,” she says.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Council organized the event and coordinated students’ participation.
“We were extremely excited for this game and hope to start a relationship with the local Special Olympic organizations that can be continued in the future,” says Andrew Maguire, senior captain of the men’s swimming team and vice president of the council.