Seahawks lend a hand at Special Olympics

NEWPORT, R.I. – The Salve Regina University student-athletes came out in full force last Saturday, April 13, to wrap up national Division III week as athletes from all of the university's teams not in competition volunteered at Special Olympics held at Gaudet Field in partnership with Special Olympics R.I., East Bay Games.

Teaming up the community service outreach on campus, the Seahawk football team along with the men and women's basketball teams, the men and women's ice hockey teams, the women's track team, the women's tennis team and the field hockey team helped hundred of Special Olympians compete at the East Bay Games.

Speaking with football captain Richie Edwards following the event, he noted how much pride the team takes in helping at this event and seeing fellow athletes compete. "We love to compete and to see others get so excited to compete really flips the tables on us and gives myself and my teammates a new appreciation for what we are able to everyday," Edwards remarked.

Special Olympics is a day where athletes come from all of the East Bay region to compete in a day long event while being cheered on by family, friends and the Salve Regina student-athletes. "We definitely look forward to it every year. In no way do we look at it as a day of service but a great opportunity for us to cheer on fellow athletes," Edwards said not only on behalf of his teammates on the football team but the athletes at Salve Regina as a whole.

First year head football coach Kevin Gilmartin was particularly proud of his team as he commented that "despite being broken up in to two shifts, a morning and afternoon shift, several of the guys in the morning shift asked if they could stay for the rest of the afternoon and continue to help out and support."

The Seahawks helped out throughout the whole event, from helping to hand out medals during the award ceremonies, to running each event and even running along side the Olympians as they competed. Senior Mike McDonald on the men's hockey team even helped kicked the day off, running in with the torch along side one of the Olympians to light the cauldron.

The student-athletes of Salve Regina dedicated their Saturday afternoon to assist and cheer on the Olympians at the East Bay Games. This year was once again a huge success and the Seahawks look forward to next years!