On Sunday April 15, thirty-two Ripon College Students and Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) members attended the Special Olympics Indoor Sports Tournament at UW-Oshkosh, volunteering their time as Fans in the Stands. Special Olympics, "a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed regardless of ability or disability," strives to make "the world a better, healthier and more joyful place--one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time." --Special Olympics.org
The Fans in the Stands program offers volunteers a chance to support Special Olympics athletes by cheering them on from the sidelines. Everyone appreciates having someone there to cheer them on, and having positive energy flowing your way while participating in athletic events goes a long way towards upping motivation and creating a positive expirience for the athletes, parents, coaches, family, friends, and fans attending athletic events.
Ripon students who attended the Special Olympics Indoor Sports Tournament on Sunday found inspiration in the heart, passion, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the competing athletes. Derek Wallace, a senior, said it well: "The sportsmanship was incredible among the athletes competing at Special Olympics. The determination and respect was comparable to many of the DIII competitions I've watched as well as participated in. I think the values of these two organizations are more similar than most people realize."
Ripon students who attended the Special Olympics Indoor Sports Tournament on Sunday found inspiration in the heart, passion, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the competing athletes. Derek Wallace, a senior, said it well: "The sportsmanship was incredible among the athletes competing at Special Olympics. The determination and respect was comparable to many of the DIII competitions I've watched as well as participated in. I think the values of these two organizations are more similar than most people realize."
Other students commented on the appreciation [of their support] from parents of SO athletes. First year Kyle Novack shared, "I was very inspired when a parent of one of the athletes came up to us and told us how cool it was that we came to support the athletes. I later saw her tell other parents about us; it makes you feel good that something so simple as cheering is so greatly appreciated by others."
Fellow first year Kamelle Van Der Leest encourages others to get involved as well. "Fans In the Stands is not only a great way for Division III schools to help support the Special Olympics in our area, but it is also a wonderful learning experience for anyone who attends."
Interested in finding out more about Special Olympics? Want to volunteer? Click HERE for more information!
