Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsPennsylvaniaSummerGames
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Special Olympics Pennsylvania summer games set to kickoff in State College
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — The 55th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games are getting set to kick off in State College. Over 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches will travel to Penn State for three days of competition in athletics, equestrian, basketball, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming, and tennis. This is a weekend to compete, have fun, and build lifelong friendships. 'Memories, building friendships, remembering how hard they've worked, what they've overcome, the challenges, and having the courage to show up and give their best,' Chief People Officer & Executive Vice President of Operations for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Pam Velasquez, said. While all of the focus is on the athletes competing, behind the scenes, over 1,000 volunteers will be assisting over the three days. However, they say they could use a few hundred more. 'Our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. We still have open spots available over the next few days. So please come out and join us. There are many ways to be involved,' Velasquez said. One couple has been volunteering with Special Olympics for over 20 years. Robert & Christine Masters began volunteering when their son was 8-years-old. They volunteer because of the energy, excitement, and fun they have during the event. 'It doesn't matter how good or bad a day you're having, if you come down here and you hang out with these athletes for any length of time, you will be having a great day when you leave, and so that's why it's worth coming back,' Robert Masters said. The hard work the Masters see during the weekend is inspiring. 'I think every day when I work with Special Olympics athletes, the kind of hurdles they have to overcome just to get out of bed in the morning and to get here more so than anything I experience, it just makes the rest of the things I might be worried about melt away and I just enjoy spending time with them, their smiles really are the best thing,' Christine Masters said. The games are set to kick off with an opening ceremony on Thursday, June 5, at 7:15 p.m. For a full schedule, follow the link here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run returns for 16th year
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — The 2025 Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run returned for its 16th year on Sunday. More than 3,000 runners and walkers participated in the 5K run or the 2-mile family fun walk. Registration started at 7:30 a.m., the run started at 11 a.m., and the fun walk started at 11:10 a.m. Last year's Beaver Stadium Run was the most successful one ever, raising more than $497,00 for Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes. 'I think it's a great organization. They do great things for the community, so I'm glad that they are getting the funds,' Joe Mazzarella, one of the runners, said. The race started near the Bryce Jordan Center on Curtin Road and participants followed a scenic route through campus. To end the race, runners went through the Beaver Stadium Tunnel, onto the field and finished at the 50-yard line. Erika Vandyke also participated in the Family Fun Run with her daughter Rylee. She said, 'Being you know, physically active and moving is really important for us and our family. A wonderful thing about this race is that all the money does get to go there. I spent a lot of time when I was growing up volunteering with the Special Olympics. It's something that's important to us and hopefully that she'll enjoy doing as she gets older too.' Juniata College holds groundbreaking for new healthcare education facility Proceeds from the Run benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania and continue to support over 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 'It feels it's really heartwarming for all of us. That's why we do it. You think you're going to come and help people, but you're here maybe a week, with them, and you're hooked for life. Which I've been hooked since the mid-80s. They won my heart, and they have been a big part of my heart,' Sue Paterno, a Board Member of Special Olympics PA said. This year's run raised approximately $530,000. However, participants can continue to raise money for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
