Upper Iowa University to host Special Olympics Unified Sports Day October 20
FAYETTE, Iowa (October 10, 2012) – Upper Iowa University will host the second-annual Special Olympics Unified Sports Day Saturday, October 20, in the UIU Recreation Center and Dorman Gymnasium on the Fayette campus from 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
UIU sponsors the event to give students in the Andres School of Education the opportunity to interact with people of various abilities and to expose them to individuals with special needs like they may encounter in their professional teaching careers.
Special Olympians come from local school districts, as well as through the Goodwill and Spectrum organizations that assist adults of various abilities with job placement and support. Last year, at the first Special Olympics Unified Sports Day, nearly 100 Special Olympians enjoyed a day packed with activities including basketball, soccer, volleyball, ladder golf, bocce ball, arts and crafts, and bean bag competitions, among others. There were nearly 100 volunteers who were paired with Special Olympians to assist them during competitions.
"There were so many positive experiences at last year's Unified Sports Day," said Billie Cowley, UIU assistant professor of education and coordinator of the event. "We had such resounding support from the UIU community and the Olympians themselves had so much fun."
Joining UIU again this year in its endeavor is the Lions Club of Oelwein, Iowa, which will serve the meal, and UIU Catering, managed by ARAMARK Higher Education, which is providing the food for the day.
The day begins with opening ceremonies and a recitation of the Special Olympics creed, and ends with closing ceremonies and a presentation of ribbons. The UIU athletic teams, as well as fraternities and sororities, also will assist at the second-annual Special Olympics Unified Sports Day.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to about 6,200 students–nationally and internationally–at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu