YORK, PA – The York College Athletic Department has been recognized by the NCAA for their work with the York County Special Olympics program. The NCAA awarded the Spartans with the Division III Special Olympics spotlight for the month of June.
The Spartan athletic department has a long-standing relationship with the Special Olympics. York has hosted the annual spring games each May for the last decade and there have also been stand-alone programs that occur during the academic year.
The Spartans were lauded by the NCAA for their Special Olympics Fun Night they hosted in April. The department welcomed 25 Special Olympic athletes for a night of fun and fellowship.
York had 30 student-athletes participate as the night revolved around an open gym format with various activities in the Grumbacher Fieldhouse. The evening featured cornhole, kick ball, volleyball and basketball. The Special Olympic athletes rotated around the stations as they got to interact with the Spartan student-athletes over the two-hour event.
The evening was organized and produced by the York College Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), the driving force behind the Spartan efforts with the Special Olympics.
Spartan SAAC President
Eleanor Beck knows the importance of the work with Special Olympics.
"As a part of our SAAC program, I truly believe that having our athletic community at York partner with the Special Olympics is so special, not only to our community, but also to our student-athletes," said Beck. "The events are always so much fun and allows everyone involved to relax and have a good time."
York County Special Olympics Outreach Coordinator
Becky Rinehart is thankful to have the relationship with the Spartan Athletic Department.
"The partnership between our York County Special Olympics and the York College student-athletes is inspiring," said Rinehart. "Our Spartan friends not only excel on the field, on the court and in the pool – but excel in goodness of heart. They truly embody the Spartan motto: To Serve is to Live."
Spartan Associate Athletic Director
Matt Day, the department's SAAC liaison, is proud of the work that Spartan student-athletes have done with the Special Olympics program.
"Our student-athletes never cease to amaze me with their participation in our events with the Special Olympics," states Day. "They bring so much energy and enthusiasm as they cheer on and participate with the Special Olympic athletes. It truly is a wonderful partnership that both our athletes and Special Olympics benefits from."
The recognition comes with $500 for the Spartans to use in their next Special Olympics event.
