NCAA Division III-Special Olympics web site

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - NCAA Division III and the Special Olympics have announced a nationwide partnership to improve the lives of Special Olympics athletes through their involvement with Division III student-athletes, and to foster a mutual learning experience between student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes.

Lebanon Valley College and the Middle Atlantic Conferences will participate in the initiative, continuing LVC's longtime support of local Special Olympics organizations. The College has been extremely active with local groups, and in 2009 was named the Pennsylvania Special Olympics School of the Year.

LVC student-athletes have helped to host hundreds of Special Olympics athletes competing in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, floor hockey, track, and swimming. In the past, student-athletes have organized Special Olympic swim and track meets, and the LVC women's basketball team has held an annual instructional clinic. In addition, the Special Olympics regularly utilizes LVC's athletic complex for other events.

Through the new NCAA partnership, Division III student-athletes across the country will be encouraged to participate in existing Special Olympics events, create their own events, or otherwise serve to support Special Olympics organization. The activities pursued by student-athletes will vary in each state and region, tailored to best utilize the student-athletes' time and local resources.

To learn more about the initiative, visit the NCAA's site. To learn more about the local Lebanon County chapter of the Special Olympics, visit lebcoso.org.