DePauw will host its annual Special Olympics this upcoming weekend. The University has hosted this all-women’s basketball tournament with Special Olympics Indiana since 1971.
“Our partnership with DePauw is an excellent one and we value and recognize the contribution of students, faculty and staff," said Duchess Adjei, manager of marketing for public relations for Special Olympics Indiana.
In other states, these tournaments are often co-ed, whereas Special Olympics Indiana is unique to women.
“We are fortunate enough to have an interest enough by these athletes to have an all women’s tournament,” said junior Sydney Jordan, the director of service and philanthropy for the Panhellenic Council.
“The event is also so cool because it brings together athletes from across the state and gives DePauw the special opportunity to host it,” wrote Panhellenic President, junior Grace Anshutz, in an email.
This year, 32 teams will compete. This is an increase in numbers from last year.
“For the teams that are five-on-five teams, they can have up to 12 players, and the teams that are three-on-three have up to six players on their team,” said Scott Mingle, director of sports and competition for Special Olympics.
Volunteers run the entire event. They often act as morale-boosters for each team.
“My role is to set up volunteers as cheerleaders," Jordan said. "A lot of organizations get together a little cheer team and then they go on and cheer on individual teams as they play."
A member of Exault’s gospel choir will be singing the national anthem at the event. A city council member, who is also a faculty member at DePauw, will help with the opening ceremony speech. Most of the Interfraternity Council chapters will be in attendance and all of the Panhellenic chapters will be participating as well. The multicultural and National Pan-Hellenic Councils will also be attending and volunteering. The football team does the tabling and helps referee.
“You never want to not have someone supporting, so when this community that doesn’t really know you comes out to support you, I think it makes it extra special for the athletes and their families really appreciate it,” Jordan said.
“It really is a whole DePauw community event, bringing athletic and Greek organizations together,” Anshutz added.
A small carnival will be held for the athletes after the games on Saturday. Students are welcome to volunteer. Some Greek organizations will have individual booths there as well. The Panhellenic Executive Board will be face painting and serving popcorn.
“Students often get wrapped up in other activities and forget about the cool opportunities we have on campus like Special Olympics,” Anshutz said. “This event presents the opportunity for students to spend time with other DePauw students and people from across the state in a fun setting.”
Games are set to begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The official opening ceremony will begin around noon, and games will take place until 4:45 p.m. After the awards of the 4:45 game, the carnival will take place. On Sunday, games start at 10 a.m. and last until 1:45 p.m.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email Sydney Jordan or simply show up to cheer on Saturday or Sunday.
“I just think if people came and saw it once, they would want to come every year and they wouldn’t want to miss it,” Jordan said.