“I left there feeling like a WINNER!” This reflects the general sentiment of 31 College of Education students who gave up a Saturday of their spring break to volunteer at the District 6 Special Olympics.

Thanks to an Innovation grant from the SPC Foundation, “Reaching Out – Disabilities in the Community,” a bus carried the volunteers to Lakewood High School for the spring track and field events. Innovation grants provide the means to give students a deeper and more enriching educational experience. The grant provided the opportunity for these College of Education students to work with the Special Olympics and give back to the community.

According to the Pinellas Special Olympics Board, “Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults, 8 years of age and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” More than 980 athletes participate in the Special Olympics in 13 different sports across Pinellas County. Volunteers make the games possible.

More than 500 athletes marched in the opening ceremonies to the Olympic anthem and then took the pledge:  “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The College of Education students directed soccer skills, bocce and tennis events. They also served as retrievers and cheerleaders at some very competitive soccer games!  Another highlight of the day was dancing with the athletes at lunch. Their admiration of the athletes and their families was evident as many expressed appreciation for the opportunity supported by the Innovation grant. Students commented that this day was life changing, opened their eyes to a new part of the world, and was fun! Overheard more than once, “I’ll be back!”