Springfield College Hosts 2019 Special Olympics Qualifying Volleyball Tournament
This year marked the eighth consecutive year that a new class of graduate students in the sport management program handled all aspects of the operations for the tournament, in conjunction with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Volunteers from throughout the campus community also assist during the event in making sure the athletes and their families have a first-class experience.
The Springfield College Department of Sport Management and Recreation, in collaboration with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, hosted its annual volleyball tournament at Blake Arena and the Field House inside the Wellness and Recreation Complex on Sunday, April 28. Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper welcomed the participants during the opening ceremony.
This year marked the eighth consecutive year that a new class of graduate students in the sport management program handled all aspects of the operations for the tournament, in conjunction with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Volunteers from throughout the campus community also assist during the event in making sure the athletes and their families have a first-class experience.
More than 30 teams and 400 participants from throughout New England took part in this tournament. Springfield College has a long-standing partnership with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts and this yearly volleyball tournament on the campus is just one example of the College's commitment to the Special Olympics and the Humanics philosophy.
Celebrating more than 50 years, the Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and other health-related programming to 12,168 children and adults with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes and the community. More information is available at specialolympicsma.org.
