Jessie's Blog: 10 Reasons Why I Loved Fall Fest at Villanova 2013

Villanova University's Special Olympics Committee organizes the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world, the SOPA fall state games. Villanova was the official host of the SOPA fall state games, held November 1st-3rd, for the 25th year! The students comprising the "SpO" committee work year round to organize every aspect of the festival. VU's campus hosts over 1000 athletes, 400 coaches, 2000 volunteers, and the many corporate sponsors and media outlets who cover the event. The athletes participating in the Fall Festival compete in 6 Olympic-type sports, and engage in other activities, such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the pomp and circumstance of the lighting and carrying of the Olympic Torch, the Parade of Athletes, an Olympic Town, and a Victory Dance.

 Dr. Timothy P. Shriver was the keynote speaker this year. He is the chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, and in that capacity, he serves nearly 4 million SO athletes and their families in 180 countries. Also this year, we were pleased to have Tim Harris as a speaker. Tim is a SO athlete, Global Messenger, and an independent restaurant owner.

 **10 Reasons why I Loved Attending the 2013 Fall Festival at Villanova**

1) Three whole days to get away!>

2) I was able to show what I worked so hard for.

3) I was made to feel like a star. (ie- Being cheered on before lifting!)

4) Meeting Dr. Timothy Shriver, who was very gracious greeting me and everyone else warmly!

5) Opening Ceremony as a portal to a long-established tradition, including the presenting of the colors, the Olympic Torch, the Parade of Athletes, and the reciting of the SO Oath.

6) The events focused on the athletes' strengths, not weaknesses.

7) The competition: Being cheered on as an athlete who has trained and is now competing to the best of his/her ability, and being watched by those who understand and cheer us on.

8) The Olympic Town: Just having fun wandering around, playing games, winning prizes, and making crafts with fellow athletes, friends, and family.

9) The Victory Dance: Just plain old fun!  Dancing in a packed "mob" where it's hard to discern what your differences are. Everyone was invited into the "circle of dancing" and no one was left out. The loud music, low lights, and group dancing helped to make the environment inclusive and contributed to the feeling of just "being in the moment!"  

10) The Awards Ceremony: Standing among the other athletes while receiving our medals and ribbons!

Speaking as both an Athlete Rep and an Athlete, I want to thank everyone who made this event possible for me to participate in the SOPA Fall Festival hosted by Villanova for the 25th year! I want to especially thank the Villanova Special Olympics Committee for organizing this event, and all of the volunteers who helped make the Fall Festival successful!

Sincerely,

Jessie Salness,

Your Lebanon County SOPA Athlete Representative