Submitted By 1/C Jon White

Earlier this year, the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee announced an official bond with Special Olympics, making an effort to capitalize on college athletes’ willingness to lend a hand and hoping this translates into future partnerships.

On May 14^th, the Massachusetts Maritime Student-Athlete Advisory Committee took a small step towards accomplishing this goal and organized a small volunteer effort to assist here on Cape Cod.  Eleven Buccaneer student-athletes volunteered at the Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) South Section Games held at Barnstable High School. Over 200 athletes competed in a number of track and field events ranging from the shot put and turbo javelin throw to the 100 meter dash and 4x800 meter relay. Cadets assisted in handing out medals to the athletes as well as escorting them to their events. In addition to their service, the cadets also were given the honor of marching with the athletes in the opening ceremony.

Nearly 150 volunteers were on hand to assist in the large undertaking, which has been in the planning stages since early this year. Members of the Massachusetts Maritime Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that volunteered their time include freshmen Jennifer March (Volleyball, Sailing), Ashley Button (Volleyball), Melanie Holder (Volleyball), Jaclyn Labrecque (Softball), and Crystal Sherman (Soccer, Softball); sophomores Meghan Thibeault (Softball), Nick Mazurkiewicz (Football) and Derek Young (Soccer); junior Josh Roberts (Football) and seniors Mike Surette (Rifle) and Jon White (Soccer, Track).