Special Olympics Event Celebrates Inclusion and Community

Cleveland State University’s College of Health recently held its Special Olympics event at Krenzler Field, where athletes from the Special Olympics Unified Sports program spent the day learning skills and fundamentals from CSU student-athletes and volunteers.

Students participated in games featuring lacrosse, soccer and fencing, learning sport-specific drills from CSU student-athletes. Each group rotated through about 10 stations, where participants competed in team races, tested their vertical jumps and practiced athletic skills such as throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball and passing a ball with a lacrosse stick.

The event kicked off with an energetic welcome tunnel, as volunteers lined the entrance to cheer on athletes making their way onto the field. Athletes entered in their own style, dancing, running and exchanging high-fives with volunteers to start the day with excitement and encouragement.

Jodi DeMarco, chair of the Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance and event organizer, said the welcome tunnel is her favorite moment because it captures the excitement of the day and sets a celebratory tone for the event.

“Seeing the endless stream of high-fives and fist bumps is my favorite,” said Demarco. “We celebrate every single person and moment.”

CSU began hosting Special Olympics events in spring 2023. After a successful basketball program, CSU expanded the event by adding lacrosse in the fall. DeMarco says that while hosting the event in an urban setting allows athletes to experience the heart of the city, the student volunteers are what make CSU such a great fit for the event.

“Our campus is diverse, engaged and deeply committed to showing up and supporting our community,” said DeMarco.

Inclusion is at the heart of the Special Olympics, where participants are exposed to opportunities they might not otherwise have. They get to experience a college campus and connect with university students who share their interests.

But Special Olympics athletes aren’t the only ones who benefit from the event. Demarco says volunteering offers an opportunity to give back to the community, interact with individuals with diverse needs and champion inclusion.

“Whether students learn a new sport, discover how to adapt a skill for someone with a disability, or simply practice effective communication, there is so much to gain,” said DeMarco. “It is impossible not to walk away changed.”

Trinity Lamp, a junior on the track and field team, joined her teammates in volunteering at a soccer passing station. Special Olympics athletes learned how to kick a soccer ball. After practicing their new skills, they split into teams and competed in relay races.

Lamp’s team lost the first race but rallied in the rematch, with determination leading to a comeback victory.

“Winning that redemption race made the experience so special,” said Lamp. “The celebration and excitement showed just how much that accomplishment meant to everyone.”

As a student-athlete, Lamp reflected on her passion for sports and the importance of her teammates’ support and encouragement. Providing that same support to Special Olympics athletes was a rewarding experience.

“It’s really just a reminder that sports are about more than just competition, they are also about creating connections, enjoying the moment and creating memories,” said Lamp.

Lamp encourages fellow student-athletes to step outside their routines and volunteer, emphasizing that they may not realize how much their presence can mean to others. She says the Special Olympics event reminds volunteers that giving back can be just as rewarding for them as it is for the people they serve.

“You get to meet new people, create memories and be a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Lamp.

But wait, there's more! In the spring, CSU will host a basketball program for Special Olympics athletes.