WildCats Raise $1,000 in Concession Sales

LYNCHBURG, Va. --- Over the past calendar year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as well as the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) have partnered with Special Olympics to provide the organization opportunities and funds that are provided by its member’s institutions.

At many colleges and universities, the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has taken on the task of making sure that the relationship with the local Special Olympics chapter has been developed. At Randolph College, the SAAC developed a partnership with Special Olympics Virginia and has provided many opportunities for WildCat student-athletes to give back.

“I think this relationship presents an opportunity for our student-athletes to make a connection with people and an organization that they might not of before,” said Alexis Wagner, who serves as the staff representative for the group. “To see all of our athletes donating their time to this cause is a great thing.”

During the year, the WildCat athletic teams all helped raise money for Special Olympics through a unique way. Student-athletes provided concessions at many contests during the 2011-12 season, with all proceeds going to SOVA. Over the course of the season, the WildCats raised $1,000 dollars, which was presented to Special Olympics Virginia at the annual awards banquet.

“The money that Randolph College raised will be used to send athletes from the Lynchburg Area program to this year’s State Summer games in Richmond VA, June 8-11,” said Matt Camire, Piedmont Region Director of SOVA.

Camire also noted that, “Our program volunteers manage a budget that is comprised of donations, so that the athletes that participate can do so for free. This money that Randolph has raised will allow the programs to use the other funds to help pay for uniforms and equipment. The area is grateful for the donation by Randolph College and will put it to great use.”

Randolph also hosted a basketball game between local Special Olympics teams back in February at halftime of a men’s basketball game against Guilford College. Wagner talked about what it meant to host the contest.

“I think it’s important for our students to interact, see and appreciate all the hard work these athletes put in. There was also great crowd support for the two teams, both teams played hard and in the end I thought the event was very successful. I hope to have more in the future.”

This release is courtesy of the Randolph College sports information department.