BOSTON, Mass. –  On Sunday, January 21, nearly 175 Special Olympians took part in a basketball event held inside Tansey Gymnasium on the campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology. The event, in support of athletic department's relationship with the Massachusetts Special Olympics, consisted of drills, games, and a three-court basketball tournament.

Throughout the day, Wentworth student-athletes demonstrated leadership and comprehensive learning to the 175 Special Olympians in an event that continues to generate more numbers every year. The fulfilling relationships that foster between the Special Olympians and the Wentworth student-athletes is both influential and inspiring. Women's basketball sophomore Emily Magasic commented, "It's great that we have built such good relationships with the teams that return each year."

"It's truly gratifying to work with the Special Olympians and their coaching staff," said men's basketball senior Cesar Fulcar. "It's amazing to see the impact we can make and the smiles we put on their faces. We get as much out of the day as them."

Wentworth's partnership with the Special Olympics is in conjunction with an NCAA Division III initiative. Its purpose is to improve the lives of Special Olympians through their involvement with Division III student-athletes, and fosters a mutual learning experience between Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes.

Sam Knollmeyer, a senior on the men's basketball team, commented, "It's powerful to know that, us as basketball players, can give such a great experience by doing what we do every day."

"In my four years at Wentworth, it's been awesome to see this day grow into such impressive numbers," said senior men's basketball player Jason Ganley.

The partnership between Wentworth and the Special Olympics provides opportunity to demonstrate the citizenship and comprehensive learning attributes of Division III student-athletes. Student-athletes giving back to their local (and often national and international) communities not only adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III, but also provides a venue for passion and service.

For the latest on Wentworth Athletics, follow the Leopards via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Wentworth Leopards "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.