July 1, 2006

Walking toward Jeffrey Field as the sun sank below the horizon, you knew something exciting was about to begin. People were everywhere, coming from all directions. The colors of T-shirts ranged from bright orange and magenta to a sun-kissed yellow and teal blue. The echo of team cheers could be heard from blocks away.

No, it was not March 14, 2006, the evening the Penn State Nittany Lion basketball team prepared to face Rutgers in its first postseason appearance in five years. And it was not October 8, 2005, when the Penn State football team squared off against Ohio State in a showdown of two Big Ten powerhouses.

As several thousand Pennsylvanians descended upon the eastern side of Penn State's campus on June 8 for the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Special Olympics Summer Games, anyone could sense that this was much more than a weekend of sporting events. The athletes were gearing up for a weekend of sharing, a weekend of compassion, and a weekend of much celebration.

For the 19th time in its 37-year history, Penn State hosted the Summer Games. The largest event each year for the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, the 2006 Games attracted 2,000 athletes who competed in aquatics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis. And as is annual tradition, Penn State athletic teams were a big part of the event. This year football coach Tom Bradley, defensive coordinator of the Nittany Lion football squad for the past five years and a member of head coach Joe Paterno's staff since 1980, was named the Honorary Chair of the 2006 Summer Games. Over 70 Penn State student-athletes representing at least 10 varsity teams, as well as members of the Nittany Lion Dance Team were also on-hand over the weekend.

During the opening ceremonies, Bradley spoke to the audience of athletes, family and friends about his involvement in Special Olympics. Bradley told the athletes that sports unite people and help create unforgettable memories with friends. "I believe the best athletes in the state are here with us right now," he said.

Those athletes left an impression with Adrienne Squire, a junior-to-be on the women's basketball team.

"It was an overwhelming experience," she says. "The athletes are out there trying their hardest and are truly an inspiration. It is one of the best things we do as a program."

The Penn State student-athletes make up an important part of the event - creating a sense of community which helps the Special Olympic athletes feel comfortable. These individuals volunteered their time and services throughout the weekend and were part of over 2,000 volunteers who serve as officials, athlete escorts, award presenters, booth operators and cooks. The volunteers work shifts throughout each day and are instrumental to the success of the Summer Games.

Justin King, cornerback for the Nittany Lion football team, says he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Special Olympics athletes. "You don't expect them to know our names because they aren't on the back of our jerseys. So when they started shouting, 'Justin! Justin!,' I appreciated that."

King's teammate Jerome Hayes agrees.

"They supported us and cheered us on all year. It's nice to be able to do the same for them."

Andrew Tuccillo, a Special Olympics athlete from Allegheny County, stated his happiness simply. "They made me smile."

Charity Renfro and the Lady Lions worked as referees during the basketball games and also spent time with the athletes signing autographs and answering questions.

Because the Special Olympics athletes are divided into teams based on what county they live in, many of the Penn State student-athletes enjoy connecting with participants who are from their hometown.

"It's fun talking to athletes from where I grew up," says Pat Bukowski, a member of the Penn State diving team.

As the crowd of thousands filed out of Jeffery Field that evening, a father walked next to a coach, who was followed by his son talking to a Penn State student-athlete. You could sense the satisfaction from a year of training and a weekend of community participation. The athletes had prepared their bodies, but they had not fully prepared their minds for the support they received. The grins on the faces of the Special Olympic athletes spoke volumes. The Special Olympics Athlete Oath was fresh in their minds.

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."