General | 2/16/2024 12:13:00 PM

WAVERLY, Iowa - Wartburg College, led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its 25th annual Unified Sports Day on Saturday, Feb. 10. The event took place inside the Wartburg-Waverly "The W" Sports and Wellness Center.

Special Olympic Athletes and Wartburg Athletes teamed up and played games such as basketball, musical chairs, bowling, softball and many other fun events. Avery Mize, a member of the women's soccer team, was the lead organizer for this year's event.

"I have participated in Unified Sports Day the last two years," she said. "It has had a very positive impact on me, and I look forward to it every year! This is why this year I decided to take the lead on organizing the event. It was so fun seeing it all come together on Saturday. As I walked around in groups, it made my heart so happy to see so many smiles and so much laughter. USD is truly a unifying event, and it will always hold a special place in my heart."

"My favorite part of the day was at the end where we were able to play basketball," said softball student-athlete RIley Feeley. "It was great to see how both teams were so involved and competitive with each other. I enjoy participating in Unified Sports day because all of the athletes are so happy, and they always come with a great attitude."

In total, Wartburg SAAC has 46 members throughout 23 different teams. 

"My favorite part of the day is getting to know the Special Olympic athletes on our team, and the Unified basketball game at the end of the day," said women's basketball student-athlete Taylor Runchey. "I love participating in this day because it is clear how joyful and celebrated our Special Olympic athletes feel on this day! Everyone is laughing, smiling, and just enjoying being around each other. The focus is on celebrating and empowering each other. No one is focused on themselves, which is really powerful to have for a whole morning." 

"My favorite part of the day was the basketball game," said men's basketball student-athlete Clay Nielsen. "Everyone was cheering, having fun, and getting excited for each other. Unified Sports Day is a lot of fun to participate in, because I enjoy participating in team activities and seeing the smiles on the athletes' faces. Their joy during everyday activities is something that I strive for in my everyday life!"

Wartburg SAAC, Special Olympics, and Kiwanis help make this fun day possible.