WildCats Raise $2,000 for Special Olympics Virginia

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--- Randolph College's year-long service campaign for Special Olympics Virginia has won the NCAA Special Olympics Initiative spotlight for the month of June.

The prize, which includes $500 for use in a future event benefiting Special Olympics, was awarded because a story about the Randolph partnership won the most votes on the NCAA Division III website.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Randolph raises money for the Special Olympics program by selling concessions at athletic contests and organizing other fundraisers. The group also provides programs on campus for Special Olympics participants. This year, SAAC raised $2,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

Alexis Wagner, the advisor for SAAC and the head women's lacrosse coach, said it was an honor to earn the spotlight recognition. "We take huge pride in knowing that we were able to help numerous athletes with the money we have raised," she said. "As a group, we look forward to continuing this relationship and helping this amazing program in any way we can."

NCAA Division III and Special Olympics have an official partnership that encourages college student-athletes to engage with the Special Olympics program.

"The relationship with SAAC and Special Olympics has been rewarding, to say the least," said CJ Stevens '17, SAAC president. "It's a great way to give back to the community and really create something positive that both the Special Olympics athletes and we remember forever."

Tina Hill, director of athletics at Randolph College, said that the Special Olympics partnership and other service opportunities form a key component of the student-athlete experience. "It's important for our students to experience people who are different from themselves," she said. "That is a core value of the quality liberal arts education we provide at Randolph."

This release is courtesy of the Randolph College sports information office.