From Buncombe County:
BUNCOMBE COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND UNC ASHEVILLE SOCCER PARTNER FOR UNIQUE ATHLETIC EVENT
(Asheville, NC) Buncombe County Special Olympics and the University of North Carolina at Asheville men’s and women’s soccer athletes partnered on April 3 and April 10, 2016 for a unique sporting experience. The two events were intended to foster an inclusive atmosphere where all athletes involved had an opportunity to learn from one another’s abilities, strengths, and perspective.
The events are part of Buncombe County Special Olympics’ efforts to extend its reach and effectiveness through unique partnerships and athletic events that unite members of the community with the athletes that represent Buncombe County through the Special Olympics. In addition to working with UNC Asheville men’s and women’s soccer, UNC Asheville’s Special Olympics College chapter played a key role in recruiting volunteers and providing organizational support. The events are a part of Buncombe County Special Olympics’ larger Project UNIFY® initiative.
Special Olympics Project UNIFY® is an education and sports based strategy powered by an engaged youth community that increases athletic and leadership opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities, while creating communities of acceptance for all. Previous events through Project UNIFY® have included a kickball tournament with UNC Asheville’s Special Olympics College chapter (as well as Buncombe County Commissioner Joe Belcher and WLOS meteorologist Zack Green) and a basketball tournament with Asheville Christian Academy Lions basketball.
The UNC Asheville Special Olympics College chapter is also a relatively new addition within Buncombe County Special Olympics’ offerings. SO College chapters create an opportunity for student involvement with Special Olympics and function as an official club on campus that connects college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport to build friendships and help lead the social justice movement of Special Olympics.
Josh Parke, a UNC Asheville junior, Special Olympics gymnastics coach, and head of the UNC Asheville Special Olympics College chapter, said of the event, “It’s so encouraging to see events like this take place, especially on a college campus where diversity and inclusion are so important. Changing the world and creating inclusion is a contact sport and Special Olympics Project UNIFY® is the perfect channel to do just that because it promotes acceptance, respect, and ability. Playing sports together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”
During both afternoons of play, UNC Asheville soccer teams guided Special Olympics athletes through a series of drills designed to expand their familiarity with soccer and enhance their athletics prowess. Special Olympics sports are designed for athletes ages eight and above; athletes represented the full spectrum of Buncombe County’s program participation joining the event from a variety of sports and age groups.
Michelle Demko, head coach of the UNC Asheville women’s soccer, “Connecting with our community is incredibly important for our program. I believe it’s our job as mentors to create those experiences where our athletes understand what it’s like to give back so they can learn more about themselves as people but more importantly so they can have a positive impact in their own community. We got to witness true sportsmanship with athletes who are passionate about having a positive experience through sports and that’s no different than what we do here at UNC Asheville women’s soccer program.”
The events culminated on April 10 with a series of scrimmage games between teams comprised of both Buncombe County Special Olympics athletes and members of UNC Asheville men’s soccer. UNC Asheville men’s soccer Team Captains Andrew Lawrence and Jackson Allen said of their participation, “I think it’s a great opportunity to interact with this population. It’s always fun for our guys to get active in the community with such amazing individuals. We’re all blessed with talents and it’s fantastic to be able to share those with such an inspiring group of people.” Special Olympic athletes were awarded medals in recognition for their participation in the events.
Buncombe County Special Olympics is a year round athletics program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The largest event hosted by Buncombe County Special Olympics is the annual “Spring Games” which will be hosted on May 5, 2016.
For information on the Spring Games or for general information on the program visit buncombecounty.org/specialolympics, e-mail special.olympics@buncombecounty.org, or call 828.250.4265. Information can also be found at facebook.com/buncombecountyspecialolympics/.
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