BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University student-athletes concluded their celebration of NCAA Division III Week with their final Special Olympics Bocce Tournament of the year at Bayside Field on Sunday. Athletes from numerous teams took to the field with Special Olympics athletes to compete in the tournament.
The tournament took place every Sunday from March 30th to April 13th. It was an opportunity for student-athletes to participate as a unified partner, in which they teamed up with Special Olympics athletes, served as an official, or cheered on their fellow Hawks and athletes as a fan during games.
Roger Williams served as a pilot for the Special Olympics in setting up an SO College program as part of the NCAA Division III Special Olympics Initiative. The Hawks were the first university to introduce the program in the spring of 2012, and it has been growing and gaining recognition ever since.
The final day of tournament play involved athletes from every available team and Special Olympics athletes who were split up into teams and participated in games until they eventually played in the championship round.
After the competition, a celebratory reception followed, where student-athletes were recognized for their commitment to the program throughout the season.
The Hawks have been able to expand their reach and involve other institutions in the program, as Sunday April 27th will feature a Bocce Jamboree at Salve Regina University in Newport to officially wrap up another successful year of collaboration.
