8th Dimension

The Haverford College Athletic Department has a long history of volunteerism when it comes to Special Olympics, and this year was no exception.  On Saturday, November 5^th, over 200 Haverford athletes volunteered to go to Villanova to cheer on athletes in soccer, volleyball, running, and weightlifting.  Some privileged softball players even worked security!  Four varsity teams boasted playoff berths, but other college athletes stepped up to the challenge and Haverford volunteers were there in numbers. 

            The Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova is always a popular event.  More than 1,000 athletes come to compete and over 4,000 volunteers are there to make sure everything runs smoothly.  The event is, in a word, huge.  Some events even had to take place off campus at a local high school because Villanova ran out of field space.  Athletes and volunteers from all over the Greater Philadelphia area converge to enjoy healthy athletic competition, and the fact that it was a beautiful sunny day made it even better.

            Eighth Dimension staff members put in a good deal of work to get all of our volunteers organized, but it’s Haverford’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the varsity athletes that deserve the credit.  Volunteers were sent to Villanova in shifts starting at 7AM Saturday morning (pretty early when you’re a college student) but everyone had a great time.  “Special Olympics is a great event that allows student-athletes at Haverford to cultivate strong connections with the community,” said organizing SAAC executive committee member Josie Ferri. “We look forward to showing support for these hardworking and inspiring athletes each year.”