WILKES-BARRE, PA (May 6,2025) -- Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM in McGrane Gymnasium, many of the King's College student-athletes volunteer with the Special Olympic athletes, with their basketball training throughout the months of March to end off with the Red-Carpet dance. 

It started on March 4th; there were a lot of student-athletes who took time out of their busy day to come volunteer at this basketball event. Not only were there students from both the men's and women's basketball teams, but also students from many of our varsity programs. The students enjoyed offering tips to help the Special Olympic athletes; the Special Olympic athletes benefited by learning and improving their basketball techniques. The student-athletes all left feeling proud since they made a positive impact by making the Special Olympics athletes' day better.  

The biggest benefit for both the student-athletes and the Special Olympics athletes was the special bonds created at the event, which was obvious from the fist bumps they gave each other at the end.  

"I was able to work with the same group for four years, and I was always excited every year to return and spend Tuesday nights with them,"said Jace Keenhold, senior tight end for the King's football team. 

It was astonishing how smoothly the event ran, especially with the enormous number of people involved and the number of activities throughout the evening. When the Special Olympics athletes got to the gym, they started to shoot the ball around. Then they started to do warm-ups, which included jogging in place, stretching out their legs, and doing arm circles. After that, they jogged around the court for a few minutes. They got back into their groups to complete shooting drills such as layups, foul shots, and three-pointers. Once they finished all of their drills, they played a variety of games which included knock-out, pig, and a pick-up game.  

"My biggest takeaway from this is the determination and true spirit of sportsmanship. I was able to watch these athletes play with such heart and show up/support each other each week," said Zoe Taylor, sophomore base for the King's cheerleading team. 

During the Red-Carpet dance that was held on April 29th, both King's and Special Olympics athletes showed up to the dance that was hosted by King's. There was corn hole, ladder ball, and dancing. Then everyone got pizza and talked, and near the end of the dance all the athletes were called up one by one to get their medals, and then they got their pictures taken with our mascot Leo the Lion.  

This is a truly rewarding program, for both the students and the Special Olympic athletes. Not only did the students bond with the Special Olympic athletes but also bonded with each other. Hopefully these athletes inspire others to volunteer for great causes, like Special Olympics. 

--MONARCHS--