April 7, 2011
Information also provided by the Office of University Relations
NORFOLK, Va. -- Members of the Football Monarchs joined with students from the Disabilities and Aging in Therapeutic Recreation course at Old Dominion University for the second annual ODU Special Olympics, dubbed the "Little Feet Meet", Thursday at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
"This year we will have close to 200 elementary schoolchildren participating from the Norfolk Public Schools. Last year's inaugural event was such a huge success that we have expanded the number of participants and have moved the event to Foreman Field," said Betsy Kennedy, senior lecturer of human movement sciences, who teaches the Disabilities and Aging in Therapeutic Recreation course and coordinates the ODU Special Olympics.
"This was a great opportunity to give back to the fan base we have here," said quarterback Nate Ong.
The NPS students took part in a total of 18 events. Medal events featured a 50-meter dash and standing long jump, and the following skill development events will be offered: softball throw, hula hoop toss, football throw, golf putting, tee-ball hitting, tossing station, parachute activities, obstacle course, soccer kick, weightlifting, bean bag toss, fitness station, ladder ball, track events, hockey shot and races.
"Being a part of ODU athletics, the entire community supports us," said defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron, one of the spring's four co-captains, "so it's always good to go back into the community and make sure they know we care about them as much as they care about us. Especially with kids, they see us doing well and its gives them goals and aspirations do well in their own lives."
"The ODU Special Olympics is a wonderful partnership between the university, the Norfolk Public Schools and Special Olympics Virginia," said Kennedy, who noted that the Little Feet Meet is not an official competition of the Special Olympics. "The event provides an excellent service-learning experience for ODU students while promoting opportunities for the Norfolk Public Schools students to develop their physical skills, display their talents and have fun," she said.