BOSTON, Mass. – On Sunday, January 18, more than 50 Special Olympians took part in a basketball event held in Tansey Gymnasium on the campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology. This event – which consisted of drills and games – was another part of the relationship the athletic department has formed with the Massachusetts Special Olympics.

Nearly 150 Wentworth student-athletes were on hand to assist with the drill stations and then were enthusiastic spectators while the teams competed against each other.

This is the fifth such event since the partnership was formed in the fall of 2012. In 2012, 2013, and 2014 Wentworth has hosted soccer clinics prior to home games on Sweeney Field and last January marked the first basketball clinic the department has hosted.

“Working with the Special Olympics is an amazing experience for us here at Wentworth,” said Associate Director of Athletics Danielle Ferrara. “It was a fantastic day, friendship were made, high fives were given, the hugs were special, and to see the smiles on the Olympians faces was priceless. The athletic department is proud to continue this tradition.”

Wentworth’s partnership with the Special Olympics is a part of an NCAA Division III initiative. The Division III Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiated a partnership with the Special Olympics at the 2011 NCAA Convention and the official launch of the partnership was August 1, 2011.

The purpose of the partnership is to improve the lives of Special Olympics athletes through their involvement with Division III student-athletes and to foster a mutual learning experience between Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes; to provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes; and to raise awareness about Special Olympics and the programs and services provided.

The partnership will serve as another 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 a complete photo gallery, please click here.