SJC Long Island Hosts Special Olympics

November 14, 2019

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. – November 14, 2019 – St. Joseph’s College (SJC) recently hosted the annual New York State Special Olympics where special athletes, coaches and volunteers participated in a series of Olympic-style sporting events for children and adults with disabilities. 

With the help of more than 80 SJC student volunteers, athletes participated in events such as bowling, javelin, target throwing, basketball, soccer, golf, tennis, spikeball and fiddle stick. The annual competition aims to build sportsmanship, courage and self-esteem. 

“Our collaboration with Special Olympics is one that we are extremely proud of,” said Cristian Murphy, director of campus ministry for SJC Long Island. “These athletes are some of the sweetest, most kind-hearted people who are so excited to spend quality time with our students. It is a true honor to host the athletes and give them a platform to have fun, make friends and be appreciated for their gifts. We host this event for the athletes and the joy for which we know it brings them.”

Founded in the 1960s by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continual opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE
St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in 50 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.