Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Partners with Special Olympics for Sports Skills Training Sessions

BOSTON, Mass. – On Sunday, March 19, the Wentworth Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) partnered with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts for a sports skills training event, which was hosted in Tansey Gymnasium. Throughout the day,  Wentworth student-athletes worked together while demonstrating leadership and comprehensive learning to a group of 30 Special Olympians through baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer skills training.

Wentworth's partnership with the Special Olympics, which officially launched in August of 2012, is part of the NCAA Division IIII initiative and serves to improve the lives of Special Olympians through their involvement with DIII student-athletes.

 "Our partnership with Special Olympics Boston/Massachusetts is cherished because opportunities like these create relationships and memories that can last a lifetime for every athlete," said softball graduate student and SAAC Co-President Alexandra Pina.

Additionally, this partnership fosters a mutual learning experience as Wentworth student-athletes helped to provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympians while raising awareness about the Special Olympics and the programs it provides.

 "The best part of the event was being able to see Wentworth student-athletes come together to be a part of something bigger than our respective sports. The smiles on the faces of the Special Olympic athletes throughout the course of the day was a true sign that we were making a positive impact," said softball graduate student and SAAC Co-President Briana Beverly.

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.

Since 2012, the Wentworth athletics department and SAAC have worked tirelessly to host at least two Special Olympics events a year. 

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.