Courtesy of Kalamazoo College sports information department.

KALAMAZOO, Mich -- Kalamazoo College won the NCAA's Special Olympics Spotlight Poll in June, earning the Hornets an additional $500 to use towards an upcoming Special Olympics event.

Kalamazoo's story about the Special Olympics track meet and bocce ball tournament hosted on Saturday, May 7 was one of three stories featured in the June Spotlight Poll. Kalamazoo's story garnered the most votes during the month resulting in the additional grant money.

"We are thrilled to have won the NCAA Spotlight Poll not only because it's a great recognition of the combined efforts of K athletes, coaches, Athletic Leadership Council and our Area 16 partners who make the track meet possible, but also because of the funding we will receive to allow us to continue, as well as diversify, our involvement with Special Olympics," said Grace Smith '17, president of Kalamazoo College's Athletic Leadership Council. "Every year, more and more K athletes volunteer at events, but really we learn so much from the Special Olympics athletes and it is a joy to compete with them and cheer them on so we are very excited that this award will help us to continue to grow our partnership."

More than 85 Special Olympians competed in 22 events ranging from a 5000-meter run to the shot put and bocce ball in Kalamazoo on May 7. Eighty volunteers from various Kalamazoo College athletic programs contributed to the spirited event and made the day possible.

After 2,901 total votes, Kalamazoo organizes Special Olympics track meet won the June Special Olympics Spotlight poll with 50 percent (1,448) of the votes!