Special Olympics Fall Festival to Be Held at Bryant

Editor's Note: The following is an article from The Bryant Archway written by softball seniors Talia Zizza and Christina Eringis, originally posted on bryantbulldogs.com

Intellectual disabilities occur in all cultures, races, and countries.  Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with disabilities. The goal of Special Olympics is to support the two hundred million people in the world with intellectual disabilities. There are over 3.7 million athletes internationally who participate in Special Olympics programs. Special Olympics training and competitions take place every day in over 170 countries.      

The Special Olympics Rhode Island program hosts over 1,400 year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

With more than 2,800 athletes, Special Olympics Rhode Island provides innovative programs locally and throughout the state of Rhode Island. These programs empower the athletes to realize their full potential and develop physically and emotionally. The athletes experience joy, demonstrate courage, and build friendships with other athletes as well as volunteers from the community. 

On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, Bryant University's very own Women's Softball team will be hosting the Special Olympics Rhode Island Fall Festival Games at the Smithfield campus. The opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin precisely at 11 am on the turf field. Following the opening ceremonies, the games will consist of flag football, bocce, and tennis tournaments. The Women's Softball team has found their volunteer work with the Special Olympics Rhode Island program to be not only a great way to give back to the community, but also an extremely rewarding and fun service. 

This year's Fall Festival games will mark the softball team's second year hosting the event, and they could not be more excited for the day of the games to arrive.

In addition to the softball team, other Bryant University students will be volunteering at the festival, however, more volunteers are always welcomed.  Anyone who is interested in giving back to their community and would enjoy a fun day of competition is encouraged to get involved with the Fall Festival.  Everyone can contribute to Special Olympics Rhode Island, regardless of background or experience. 

Your service would be of great use and would be highly appreciated by both the staff and the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. By volunteering for just one day on campus, you will be directly contributing to the success of the festival, as well as the joy of the athletes who participate. Any time or service in which you can give towards this event will truly make this day great. 

If you are interested in volunteering for the Special Olympics Rhode Island Fall Festival, please contact Talia Zizza at tzizza@bryant.edu or Christina Eringis at ceringis@bryant.edu for further information.