Newell Field House was abuzz Saturday morning, December 8, as the St. Lawrence University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted their Eighth Annual Special Olympics Track Meet. Each year Special Olympians from across the North Country come to Newell Field House to compete in wheelchair, walking, and running races as well as turbo javelin and unified relays.  
 
The 38 participants were greeted by 50 St. Lawrence student-athletes who buddied-up with the Special Olympians to guide them through the event. Many Olympians and St. Lawrence students make this event an annual tradition. There was a feeling of familiarity in the air at the registration table as Special Olympians warmly greeted their buddies from previous years.  
 
"I remembered one of the participants from last year and his amazing dance moves," said James Cronin, a sophomore on the baseball team, who was volunteering for the second time. "While the student-athletes at SLU try to make an impact on the individuals participating in the events, those who participate in the event make a huge impact on us.  Special Olympics (gives) me and my teammates an extraordinary opportunity to help people who don't have the same athletic opportunities that we do. It is a very fulfilling experience, and we are eager to do it again next year." 
 
"The St. Lawrence athletic department gives the Special Olympic athletes a real college track meet experience," said Beth Demo, Special Olympics North Country Coordinator. "It's exciting to see their names and times on the college scoreboard. North Country Region athletes look forward to meeting SLU athletes every December. They start to ask me about this event in October. The enthusiasm of the St. Lawrence athletes interacting with Special Olympic athletes is wonderful to see. Athletes talking to athletes. Doesn't get much better than that." 
 
This year marked the 50^th Anniversary of the partnership between NCAA Division III and Special Olympics.
 
"Our students are eager to host this event every year," said Carly Stine '15, Co-Advisor of St. Lawrence SAAC. "This year was no exception as we saw high volunteer turn-out and hosted 38 Special Olympians. The students are already brainstorming ways to continue to expand and enhance this event each year."  
 
Next year will mark the 50^th Anniversary of New York State's involvement with Special Olympics. If you are interested in learning more about the event or getting involved, please contact Carly Stine. 
 
The St. Lawrence University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee would like to extend special gratitude to Beth Demo (North Country Special Olympics Coordinator) and Mikaela Martell '19 for their work in planning and executing this year's event. Additional special thanks to Kate Curran, John Newman, and the entire St. Lawrence University Track & Field staff for timing the event!