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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University student-athletes spent their past Saturday being active in the Special Olympics basketball tournament held in the Don Taft University Center. Over 45 student-athletes from men’s soccer, volleyball, softball, women’s tennis and swimming and diving volunteered for the event.

"One of our pillars of success in the department is community engagement,” said NSU Athletic Director Mike Mominey. “The opportunity to work with the Special Olympics of Broward County is a charity that is close to our heart and we were honored to be a part of this great event. Seeing these young men and women compete on our own campus in the Don Taft University Center is truly "special".

The Broward County Special Olympics program is designed, “to help people with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of society at large, by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sports training and competition, and by increasing the public's awareness of their capabilities and needs.”

NSU’s student-athletes were asked to help and encourage the participants through a series of sports and activities.

Danielle Graham (So., Cincinnati, Ohio) of NSU’s volleyball team, was one who took time to volunteer. “It was humbling and rewarding because the participants were so happy to be there, it just makes you thankful for everything you have,” said Graham.

Even NSU’s own men’s basketball manager David Chaviano participated in the event. Playing basketball for the Sharks team, he was able to show off his skills by leading his team in points and encouragement.

Outside the arena in the RecPlex gyms, the children took part in three point contests, races and half court basketball games. Excited to share their experiences, NSU’s student-athletes encouraged and supported the participants through every drill.

“The excitement in their faces was so genuine, it was touching and fulfilling to see them having such a great time,” said Justine Feaster of NSU’s women’s tennis team.

The board members of Broward County Special Olympics expressed their gratitude to NSU for hosting its first event, claiming that this has always been a “vision” of the board to have NSU and its student-athletes involved. The NSU facilities were well fitted to accommodate the large number of participants and volunteers and they were grateful for the use all of NSU’s facilities.