50 for 50th Spotlight: Division III Special Olympics Spotlight Poll Winner Receives Record-High Votes

Ryland Towne
Aug 31, 2018 · 2 min read

With only seconds remaining in the November 2017 Special Olympics Spotlight Poll, the Averett University Cougars from Danville, Virginia were able to hold off poll opponents for a historic victory. After a record-setting 4,613 total votes, Averett University’s ‘Fall Fun Day’ won the NCAA Division III November Special Olympics Spotlight Poll by gathering 49 percent (2,292) of the total votes. As a result, the Cougars received $500 to use for their next Special Olympics event.

‘Fall Fun Day’ consisted of approximately 225 Averett University student-athletes and coaches paired up with 120 local Special Olympics Virginia athletes from the Piedmont Region for a fun-filled day. Special Olympics Virginia athletes were paired with a student-athlete buddy, and they each went around 10 stations that focused on a particular sport — ranging from wrestling to volleyball to lacrosse. Each station was run by student-athletes and assistant coaches from that sport. The event was held in the Grant Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and some attendees also had a chance to take part in other sports activities on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium for an hour before the main program started.

In addition to the stations, participants received T-shirts and also enjoyed a pizza lunch.

NCAA Division III and Special Olympics have partnered since 2011. According to the NCAA, “The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities; and raise awareness of Special Olympics, its programs and services.”

Take a look at the exciting day: http://bit.ly/2wc9Dm1

[In honor of the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics and in celebration of the Division III partnership, Division III and Special Olympics have joined forces to present 50 profiles honoring the unified work of the NCAA, Division III and Special Olympics. Use the hashtag #d3SO50for50th for more profiles and on any Division III/Special Olympics activities.]

Ryland Towne

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This profile will no longer be posting 50 for 50th Profiles. You can find the most recent profiles here: https://medium.com/@socollege1.

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