Wentworth Athletics Hosts Annual Special Olympics Basketball Event

Posted: Feb 03, 2020

Boston, Mass. – Tansey Gymnasium was jam-packed with athletes, spectators, family, and friends last Sunday as Wentworth Athletics hosted its annual Special Olympics Basketball event. The event, in support of the athletic department's relationship with the Massachusetts Special Olympics, consisted of a three-court basketball tournament, officiated and supported by Wentworth student-athletes.

"I love volunteering at the Special Olympics event because it's such a great day," said women's basketball senior captain Emily Magasic. "I enjoy sharing my love of basketball with others and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a player's face light up when they make a basket or a great defensive play. Seeing how much they love playing reminds me why I started in the first place."

Throughout the day, Wentworth student-athletes demonstrated leadership and comprehensive learning to the Special Olympians in an event that continues to generate more numbers every year. The event is the second Special Olympics event that Wentworth has hosted in the 2019-2020 academic school year, having hosted a soccer clinic in the fall.

"Seeing each of the kids smile and have such a great time with everyone just shows you how much it means to us athletes to make someone else's day because you never know what they are going through in their lives," said men's basketball captain Steven Azums.

The NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Special Olympics announced their partnership at the 2011 NCAA Convention, and was officially launched on August 1, 2011. Through this partnership, Division III student-athletes across the country are encouraged to participate in existing Special Olympics events, create their own events, or otherwise serve to support Special Olympics organization.

"It was great to be reminded of why I fell in love with the game in the first place and the kind of joy that playing basketball can bring people," said women's basketball junior Ilyssa Creamer.

"It shows us to be grateful for the people who come into our lives because they get to enjoy the sport that I've grown up and love to play," concluded Azums.

To learn more about the partnership between NCAA Division III and The Special Olympics, click here.

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