Head to Villanova for the 36th Annual Special Olympics Fall Festival
Villanova University will host the Special Olympics Pennsylvania annual Fall Festival from November 1 to 3. Here are the details.
The world’s largest student-run Special Olympics event returns to Villanova University this November 1-3. It will bring together more than 1,000 athletes, 400 coaches, and 5,000 volunteers for three days of competition, celebration, and community.
About the festival
Under this year’s theme, “Through brave exploration, discover your true destination!” the 36th annual Fall Festival promises to be a showcase of determination and achievement. Athletes will compete in six sports: bocce, flag football, long-distance running/walking, powerlifting, soccer, and volleyball. The festivities kick off with Opening Ceremonies at the Finneran Pavilion on Friday evening.
This year’s event features several exciting additions, including the Victory Jamboree at the Dixon Center on Villanova’s Cabrini Campus—a first for the festival. The jamboree will offer both high and low-sensory activities for athletes, part of an expanded focus on accessibility supported by the Allegheny Health Network.
Athletes will also have access to comprehensive health and wellness programs through the Healthy Athletes initiative, which provides services ranging from dental care to fitness assessments. The festival concludes with dual Closing Celebrations on Sunday, featuring food and final remarks at both the 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. sessions.
A legacy of inclusion
Villanova’s connection to the Special Olympics dates back to 1979, when the university first hosted regional events. The Fall Festival as we know it today began in 1989, growing from a modest soccer tournament into a multi-sport celebration that exemplifies the Special Olympics athlete oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“The essence of Fall Fest is the presence of unity,” Steve Koch, associate director for leadership programs in the Office of Student Involvement, said in a press release. “We see it in the athletes who high-five every one of their competitors without fail, the volunteers who shower the athletes with encouragement and our students who plan all aspects of the weekend tirelessly for 10 months.”
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization offers over 260 local and sectional events and four major statewide events in 23 sports, creating opportunities for athletes to advance to regional and international competition.
The impact of Special Olympics extends far beyond sports. As Sergeant Shriver, former Chairman of Special Olympics International, wrote, the organization “inspires and reveals the very best in human nature,” helping participants develop improved physical fitness, greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image while discovering new abilities and talents.
Those interested in volunteering can email offcampusvols@villanovaspo.com for more information. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support the athletes throughout the weekend’s events.
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