20 for 20: Special Olympic Spectacular

The 2020-21 athletic year is the 20th year that I (Paul Welker) have served as Alfred State's Sports Information Director. During this school year I plan on writing a 20-part series on my time covering the Pioneers.

I am known for various things that I do at Alfred State and in the surrounding community, but one of my favorite things that I get recognized for is the guy who helps run the Alfred State Special Olympics Track & Field Spectacular.

Civic engagement is very important to the Alfred State community. The athletic department has always been part of that mission of the college. When the college started the transition from NJCAA to NCAA the athletic department talked about creating a civic engagement tradition that could include our whole department. We had done team by team events but never a full department event.

It didn't take long to see a partnership with Special Olympics was a no brainer. Special Olympics is an official partner of Division III of the NCAA and when looking into local Special Olympics events there was a need for something closer to local schools in the southern tier.

I still remember my first meeting with Robin Mitchell, who was the local Senior Director for Special Olympics back in 2013, to discuss the possibility of hosting some sort of track & field event. After meeting it was clear that we should host the event and invite every local school districts. The format of the event was decided that every participant would take part in one running event (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and relays) and one field event (standing jump, long jump, tennis ball throw, or shot put).

The first event was smaller and was held in 2013. Over the next seven years the event has grown. The event in 2019 featured 300 athletes from 12 local school districts to go along with 50 to 60 Alfred State volunteers. Unfortunately the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID but a virtual version highlighted some of the students that were training for the event.

Special Olympic Memories:

One of my favorite parts of the Track & Field Spectacular is the opening ceremony. We line up the schools and march them around the track. The schools bring banners or signs and the participants and coaches smile and wave to the crowd as the Olympic Fanfare plays over the loud speakers. (One year, the Alfred Almond band joined us and played the Olympic Fanfare.) Once we announce the teams the athletes recite the Special Olympic oath - "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." 

The best part of the day, in my opinion, is watching the participants climb the award stand and receive their ribbon(s). The smiles and joy they express when their names are called is unforgettable. 

Some participants need some help or motivation as they begin their races so Pioneer student-athletes jump in and join them. Seeing the interaction between college athletes and the participants is amazing.

Building relationships with the participants and with the coaches has been special as well. Watching participants like Christian, Noah, Aaron, Wynter, Cherokee, and Molly come back year after year and seeing them grow up and do better in their events is very gratifying.

Special Olympic Thanks

Daniel Kuberka worked with Robin Mitchell in the early years but took over as the point person for the event. He is a great liaison between the schools and Alfred State. He supports and promotes the event. He has been a key person in the growth of the event.

Many of the Special Olympic coaches within the school districts have been on this journey the entire time with us. To watch their interaction with their students is awesome!

Leadership within Alfred State has been key to the success of the program. The athletic administration along with many other areas around campus have been very supportive of the event. A special thanks to the ACES organization for their help in providing lunches for all the participants and coaches.

Alfred State Coaches and student-athletes have bought into this event. They are the glue that makes the event successful every year. I know that Track & Field Spectacular has become their favorite day each school year.

Future Plans

COVID canceled the 2020 event and might keep the 2021 event from happening but this event will return when it is safe.

Final Thoughts

The Alfred State Track & Field Spectacular has won multiple grants from the NCAA and has won awards from NADIIIAA twice but more importantly it has brought smiles to countless athletes, coaches, parents, fans, and Pioneer Student-athletes over the years.

This event is by far my favorite day of the year. It takes place during a busy time of year (end of the year awards ceremony and postseason spring events) and the weather is always questionable (we never know when it might snow or get above freezing in late April or early May) but I look forward to smiling as I look through Facebook and see pictures and reactions to the events. Smiles definitely fuel this event.

Previous 20 for 20's:

Story 1: The First Fall

Story 2: Gina and Juice

Story 3: Nose, Ear, Knee

Story 4: Football Tales

Story 5: Sand Storm

Story 6: The Voice of the Pioneers

Story 7: Homecoming

Story 8: USCAA Championships - Part 1 - Women's Soccer

Story 9: USCAA Championships - Part 2 - Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Cross Country

Story 10: Friendsgiving

Story 11: Facility Upgrades

Story 12: Pro Pioneers