Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Paige Ozaroski
Temple Student-Athletes Turn Cheerleaders for Special Olympics
11.19.14 | General, Outreach
VILLANOVA, Pa. – On Saturday, November 8, more than 120 student-athletes filled three busses and travelled to Villanova University for the annual Special Olympics Fall Festival. The event was part of the Temple Alumni Association's Global Day of Service.
The afternoon was filled with Owls flooding the sidelines to cheer on the participating athletes in numerous sports, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and power lifting. Having the chance to be a cheerleader for these athletes is the best aspect of the event, according to Alexis Arena, a senior women's gymnast, who said, "The best part of Special Olympics is being able to encourage the athletes and cheer them on during the sports they're passionate about. Seeing them smile makes me smile."
Alyssa Drachslin, a junior on the volleyball team and SAAC President, helped to organize the event through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "I think it is extremely important for not only our student-athletes, but everyone [who is] a part of this community to find a way to give back and show support,"
Drachslin said, "I know as an athlete it is easy to get wrapped up in the responsibilities on campus, so it is important we look for ways to get our teams involved [in off-campus activities]."
Drachslin also shared her favorite aspect of the Special Olympics noting, "The day was really about the participants and it was so great being able see firsthand how sports really brings joy to their lives."
Junior lacrosse player, Brenda McDermott, expressed what this kind of volunteer service means to her and other student-athletes. "I think it is important for other athletes to get involved in events like [Special Olympics] because it reminds people to love the game," she explained, "I think sometimes we get caught up in the winning [and] losing side of things and forget to have fun while playing."
Leaving the event with smiles from both participants and Owl volunteers, the student-athletes hope to continue this tradition for years to come.
By Lauren Capone, women's gymnastics senior and athletics communications intern
The afternoon was filled with Owls flooding the sidelines to cheer on the participating athletes in numerous sports, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and power lifting. Having the chance to be a cheerleader for these athletes is the best aspect of the event, according to Alexis Arena, a senior women's gymnast, who said, "The best part of Special Olympics is being able to encourage the athletes and cheer them on during the sports they're passionate about. Seeing them smile makes me smile."
Alyssa Drachslin, a junior on the volleyball team and SAAC President, helped to organize the event through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "I think it is extremely important for not only our student-athletes, but everyone [who is] a part of this community to find a way to give back and show support,"
Drachslin said, "I know as an athlete it is easy to get wrapped up in the responsibilities on campus, so it is important we look for ways to get our teams involved [in off-campus activities]."
Drachslin also shared her favorite aspect of the Special Olympics noting, "The day was really about the participants and it was so great being able see firsthand how sports really brings joy to their lives."
Junior lacrosse player, Brenda McDermott, expressed what this kind of volunteer service means to her and other student-athletes. "I think it is important for other athletes to get involved in events like [Special Olympics] because it reminds people to love the game," she explained, "I think sometimes we get caught up in the winning [and] losing side of things and forget to have fun while playing."
Leaving the event with smiles from both participants and Owl volunteers, the student-athletes hope to continue this tradition for years to come.
By Lauren Capone, women's gymnastics senior and athletics communications intern
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