The University of Olivet, Olivet High School and the Special Olympics Area 8 are partnering to host a Special Olympics Field Day. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 the event has been rescheduled for Monday, May 19 due to inclement weather conditions. Activities will still be held at Olivet High School’s track with event times remaining the same: the day will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m.
KayDee Perry, assistant professor of health and human performance at The University of Olivet, is coordinating fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts for the event.
“Last year The University of Olivet had more than 100 student, faculty and staff volunteers participate, and this year we expect even more,” said Perry. “Our football team and several classes will be in attendance once again this year, as well as volunteers from Olivet and Charlotte high schools, to support these amazing athletes.”
More than 200 athletes are expected to participate at the field day. Volunteers assist the athletes in various capacities throughout the day. “Time, energy, strength, encouragement, joy, hugs and cheers are shared by all,” Perry added.
In addition volunteering again this year, the high school and college students have been actively fundraising. Olivet High School’s volleyball team raised $140 at a powder puff game, the college’s Alpha Pi Upsilon academic fraternity donated $75, and the college’s Gruen Chemical Society raised an additional $170 selling T-shirts. The Olivet Lions Club is supporting the event with supplies, donations and volunteers.
For more information about the event, please contact Perry at 269.749.7324.