TicketsMay 15, 2009
By Kim Stephens
Photos By Jessica Foreman
CINCINNATI - On Friday, May 15, the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics teamed with the RallyCats to host the third annual Hamilton County Special Olympics. Eight different schools in the Hamilton County area came to campus to participate in the events. An estimated 250 students from ages 6-18 competed in the 50 meter dash, wheelchair 50 meter dash, long jump, javelin throw, 200 and 400 meter dash, softball, and kickball.
Student-athletes from 14 different UC teams including football, lacrosse, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, soccer, track and field, tennis, and swimming and diving helped out in the activities. The UC student-athletes handed out free t-shirts, ran the events, served lunch, assisted the Special Olympians, and cheered on the kids during competition.
The activities were directed by the Athletic Life Skills Coordinator Shintara Carpenter and RallyCat member Kendall Adkins, the creator of the Cincinnati event. After the events, the student-athletes and RallyCats served the competitors lunch, which was donated by several local restaurants including Penn Station, Spicy Pickle, Chicago Gyros, Arby's, Baba Buddah's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mac's. Following lunch the student-athletes signed autographs and interacted with the Special Olympians. A highlight of the day for many of the Hamilton County students was having their faces painted by UC's student-athletes.
Adkins feels that today not only benefits the kids participating in the Special Olympics, but helps the athletes give back to the community.
"I believe it's very important to have interaction with the Cincinnati community to show that UC students and athletes are involved and care," said Adkins, a fourth-year graphic design major. "These kids look up to the athletes and it's important for both the kids and the athletes to recognize that relationship."
The Bearcat student-athletes did get involved: running alongside some of the Olympians for support, high-fiving and cheering them on every step of the way.
"This is a great thing to see. Everyone is all smiles, even if someone is in dead last place; they still have a huge smile on their face," said Carpenter, watching the events unfold in UC's Armory Fieldhouse.
Adkins agreed, saying her favorite part is seeing what a difference she has made.
"My favorite part is the reaction of kids. They are so eager for everything, we hand them a t-shirt and their face just lights up. It's priceless."