PHOTO BY STEVE HARRISON
Alfred State hosted the annual Special Olympics Track and Field Spectacular on Friday. The event is organized by the athletic department and is run by coaches, student-athletes, and countless volunteers from across the college community.
There were 288 athletes from 14 different school districts participating in the events. Each student participated in one running event and had a choice between a throwing or jumping competition. The running distances ranged from 25 meters to 400 meters. The students could choose from throwing a tennis ball or a softball or they could take part in a running or standing long jump. Participants earned ribbons for their efforts.
NCAA Division III partners with Special Olympics all across the country. The tradition of the event at Alfred State started in 2013 with just over 100 athletes and has continued to grow each year.
The event started with an Olympic style entrance by each team followed by reciting the Special Olympic Oath. This year, male athletes started with the running events while females participated in field events. After a quick break, they switched with the females taking the track and males taking their turn with the throwing events.
Alfred State has won numerous awards over the years from the NCAA and from NACDA for the Track and Field Spectacular.
Photos from STEVE HARRISON:
