2022 Unified Bowling Photo Gallery
ALBION, Mich. -- On Sunday, April 10, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) partnered with Special Olympics Michigan for a Unified Sports® Event to conclude the 2022 NCAA Division III Week.
Members of the MIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Special Olympics athletes from the Albion area teamed up for a friendly bowling competition at University Lanes.
"What an incredible event!" exclaimed MIAA Assistant Commissioner Lauren Bryne. "After a two-year hiatus of many in-person events due to COVID-19, you could tell how excited everyone was to be there competing with one another. There was nothing but joy at the bowling alley and it was so rewarding to be a part of."
Splitting into five different teams, the athletes competed against one another throughout two games. Although the winner (team three) only received bragging rights, all of the Special Olympic athletes received gold medals at the conclusion of the event.
"Being able to get together as a conference and bowl with such amazing people, is something that I will cherish, stated Alma SAAC rep and MIAA SAAC secretary Stasha Warchock. "I loved watching the Special Olympics athletes have smiles on their faces when we were bowling. This opportunity was great to have and I'm so happy I took advantage of it."
"This was my first time participating with Special Olympics and it was amazing," commented Hope SAAC rep Daniel Romano. "To be surrounded by people with so much joy, laughter, and happiness with life was truly a blessing. It reminded me to love every moment in life and really appreciate my friends, family, and all the blessings that God has provided for me. I want to participate with Special Olympics events much more often now and encourage my friends to participate as well. Bowling with Gabe and Adam, and next to Josh and Aidan was a complete blast and I loved seeing them be so competitive and have so much fun with each other."
"I loved being a part of the Unified Bowling event and seeing how much each athlete appreciated being there and how much fun they had participating," said Albion SAAC rep Ava Smith. "The smiles on their faces spoke volumes for how they were feeling. I know my cheeks hurt after having a smile on my face the whole time as well! I cannot wait to watch all the athletes at their next event!"
About DIII Week
Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.
About Special Olympics Michigan
Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.
Special Olympics Michigan offers 24 sports and is comprised of 23,807 participants, 2,954 active certified coaches, and 23,216 volunteers.
About the Division III and Special Olympics Partnership
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiated the partnership at the 2011 NCAA Convention and officially launched the partnership on August 1, 2011. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities; and raise awareness of Special Olympics, its programs and services.
