FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern men’s and women’s basketball teams participated in the Sallaro’s Race for Champions 5k and carnival to benefit the Special Olympics of Broward County on Nov. 10.
The proceeds from the race will be in aid of the Special Olympics Broward County, providing funds for its mission of providing year-round sports trainings and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This gives these athletes continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. This enables athletes to participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, which consist of the Special Olympics athletes and the Broward community.
The NSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee facilitated the event and played an instrumental role in every aspect by handing out food to registering participants and working the price tables. SAAC knew the importance of the Special Olympics here on the campus of NSU and jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for the event. Every SAAC member was present with few exceptions, and SAAC members got their teammates to volunteer for the event.
“I was delighted to see our SAAC members and student-athletes up early to lend a helping hand on a Saturday morning. I had the honor of speaking with the head of the Florida Special Olympics Chapter and he was extremely impressed with our turnout and our strength,” said
Andrea Buenano Coordinator of Athletic Academic Services. “The organization had the pleasure of working with our student-athletes, but I believe our student-athletes received the gift of giving by putting their time and heart into an organization with a big cause.”
“It was a great experience for the NSU SAAC and we were glad to associate NSU with the Special Olympics,” said NSU baseball player and SAAC member
Roberto Baroniel (So., Miami, Fla.). “It was amazing to see our athletes come together with the Special Olympic athletes.”
“Even though our basketball teams were unable to attend the race due to our morning practices, there were a great number of athletes from other NSU teams volunteering to make the event a success for the Special Olympics in the early going,” said head coach
LeAnn Freeland. “Our teams wanted to help in some capacity and were excited to find out there was a way for us to help the Sallaro Race finish strong. At the conclusion of the event, both our men’s and women’s team helped the event staff clean up the areas and break down the site.”
“The NSU basketball team supports Special Olympics whenever possible, not only because it is a truly wonderful organization, but also because one of our own, head team manager David Chaviano, has been a participating athlete in the program for a number of years while also being a blessing and a joy to our team and our university, “said head coach
Gary Tuell. “We do our best to give back to Special Olympics because of the positive impact and many contributions David has made to our teams over my nine years here.”
NSU student-athletes look forward to further participation in the Special Olympics of Broward County, as the school hosts its annual basketball tournament at the NSU Arena at the Don Taft University Center on Jan.5.
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