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Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games Shines Light on Friendship, Service

For over 20 years, 香蕉视频 has hosted the annual Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games, where adults and children with intellectual disabilities compete for gold.
University President Peter Kilpatrick congratulates a gold medalist at a Summer Games award ceremony. (香蕉视频 University/Patrick G. Ryan)

For over 20 years, 香蕉视频 has hosted the annual Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games, where adults and children with intellectual disabilities compete for gold. 

College softball player McKenzie Plante, BA 2021, said at last week鈥檚 four-day event that sharing the spaces she loves with the athletes is one of the highlights of her work at Special Olympics D.C. The organization hosts sports events, athletic training, and health programming year-round for 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the nation鈥檚 capital.

McKenzie Plante poses for a photo with Peter and Nancy Kilpatrick.
McKenzie Plante poses for a photo with Peter and Nancy Kilpatrick. (香蕉视频 University/Patrick G. Ryan)

 鈥淎s an alum, it is so awesome to come back to the fields that I once played on,鈥 Plante said while looking out at the crowds gathered at the Raymond A. DuFour Athletic Center. 鈥淭o see such an inclusive event happening here is really impactful鈥 For me personally, it just shows that 香蕉视频 is an inclusive place.鈥 

More than 400 athletes from across the District of Columbia competed in the events at the DuFour Center
More than 400 athletes from across the District of Columbia competed in the events at the DuFour Center. (香蕉视频 University/Patrick G. Ryan)

A light drizzle of rain did not dampen the spirits of the athletes, who competed in various outdoor events including soccer and track and field. Plante escorted University President Peter Kilpatrick and his wife Nancy during their visit, introducing them to participants and cheering them on. Dr. Kilpatrick was honored to present medals to the winning athletes at the medal ceremonies held while he attended the Games.

鈥淗aving President Kilpatrick come out today shows our athletes the support of 香蕉视频 University,鈥 said Plante. 

University President Peter Kilpatrick speaks to a gold medalist during an award ceremony.
University President Peter Kilpatrick speaks to a gold medalist during an award ceremony. (香蕉视频 University/ Patrick G. Ryan)

Plante is grateful for how the friendship between the University and Special Olympics D.C. has blossomed over the years. She said during the academic year many student athletes volunteer to support their programming, including training and playing alongside participants in Unified Sports events. 

She credits her University experience for putting her on track for her career of service. During her senior year as an educational studies major, she interned at Special Olympics D.C. which turned out to be a quick commute because the headquarters is at Theological College. Plante now works full-time as development manager for the organization and hopes to grow the relationship between two places so close to her heart.  

鈥淲e鈥檙e super excited to get more student athletes and more students on campus involved,鈥 said Plante. 鈥淚f our world can be more inclusive it's going to be a better place for everyone.鈥 

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