FERRUM, VA, October 19, 2023 – The Ferrum College Athletic Department participated in the 2023 Special Olympics Shenandoah Region Super Games Sunday, October 15 held at Bridgewater College.
The event featured an opening ceremony at Jopson Athletic Complex, which included opening remarks, a torch ceremony, national anthem and reciting of the athlete oath of the games.
Ferrum College Coordinator for Student-Athlete Success, Inclusion & Leadership, Dajah Berger, organized efforts to have 31 Ferrum student-athletes participate. President Dr. Mirta Martin and Head Women’s Soccer Coach Erin Saleeby accompanied the group to Bridgewater. She heard about the event from Stacy Staley, Director of Championships, from the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and Heather Grant, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator, from Bridgewater College. They extended the invitation to all the schools within the ODAC to help with Special Olympics.
Events were held at several venues on the Bridgewater campus, with over 300 volunteers on hand.
“I was pleased with how things went today,” said Berger. “Bridgewater did an outstanding job with hosting the games and our student-athletes really enjoyed being part of the experience.”
Ferrum students volunteered with concessions, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball. “Anything they were asked to help with they did and I am beyond proud of them! Many people came to me to express how wonderful our students were and the positive energy they brought. As we were on the road back to the College, the students wanted to know when they could help again because they had a wonderful time. Although we are a small school, most of our students that went hadn’t ever spoken to each other, so it was a great bonding event for our student-athletes on the different athletic teams to connect,” Berger shared.
“I am incredibly proud of our student athletes who volunteered to assist with the Special Olympics today,” said Dr. Mirta Martin. “Our students exemplify the essence of our motto “Not Self But Others” and they routinely demonstrate they have hearts for service. They make Ferrum College #PantherProud!”
For more information, please visit Virginia Special Olympics.
