2008 Woodie Awards
Pa. Special Olympics Western Fall Sectional draws many athletes, volunteers
By Jessica Rupell
Rocket Focus Editor
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Focus
Arnhold said each county enters to music in a processional-type line in alphabetical order, with the exception of Butler County, the host county for the event, which entered last.
When, Arnhold said, they have an athlete repeat the Special Olympics oath, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
After the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, the athletes began to go to their respective events held at the Aebersold Recreational Center and on various fields throughout campus.
The seven events the athletes participated in included team soccer, soccer individual skills, team volleyball, volleyball individual kills, power lifting, long distance running/walking and bocce.
Jake Eddy, a junior safety and environmental management major, was a member of the management team for team soccer.
Besides going to weekly meetings and calling volunteers prior to the event, Eddy said he and other members of the management team also set up the fields, made sure each team was on the right field at the right time and generally made sure everything ran smoothly.
"I liked seeing the teams play, especially Butler County," Eddy said.
"They had two kids on the team going at it on the field with the adults, and even after the one got ran over, he got back up laughing and cheering and went running off again."
Eddy said it was great to see how much fun and desire the athletes have.
"You can tell they put a lot of work into it," Eddy said.
Arnhold said she has been working with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics for the past 17 to 18 years because she has a joy and love of movement and being active.
"Special Olympics is a great opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in physical activity at a level they can be competitive," Arnhold said.
Arnhold said she has worked with people with disabilities for a long time and believes they should be active and healthy people.
When, Arnhold said, they have an athlete repeat the Special Olympics oath, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
After the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, the athletes began to go to their respective events held at the Aebersold Recreational Center and on various fields throughout campus.
The seven events the athletes participated in included team soccer, soccer individual skills, team volleyball, volleyball individual kills, power lifting, long distance running/walking and bocce.
Jake Eddy, a junior safety and environmental management major, was a member of the management team for team soccer.
Besides going to weekly meetings and calling volunteers prior to the event, Eddy said he and other members of the management team also set up the fields, made sure each team was on the right field at the right time and generally made sure everything ran smoothly.
"I liked seeing the teams play, especially Butler County," Eddy said.
"They had two kids on the team going at it on the field with the adults, and even after the one got ran over, he got back up laughing and cheering and went running off again."
Eddy said it was great to see how much fun and desire the athletes have.
"You can tell they put a lot of work into it," Eddy said.
Arnhold said she has been working with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics for the past 17 to 18 years because she has a joy and love of movement and being active.
"Special Olympics is a great opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in physical activity at a level they can be competitive," Arnhold said.
Arnhold said she has worked with people with disabilities for a long time and believes they should be active and healthy people.
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