Villanova to host Special Olympics event
Villanova University will host Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Annual Fall Festival, Nov. 4-6.
Beginning Nov. 4, thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters from across the state will travel to Villanova University for Special Olympics Pennsylvania's (SOPA) Annual Fall Festival.
Returning to Villanova for the 23rd consecutive year, the event is SOPA's second largest annual competition and the largest student-run Special Olympics competition in the world, according to a news release. About 1,325 coaches and athletes will participate in bocce, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, roller skating, soccer and volleyball.
The official kick-off of Fall Festival will occur on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. with Opening Ceremonies held in The Pavilion at Villanova.
Athletes will begin preliminary competitions on Nov. 4 in bocce, long distance running, soccer, roller skating and volleyball. Powerlifting competitions begin on Nov. 5. Roller skating competitions will take place at the Marple Sports Arena, 611 South Park Way in Broomall. Bocce and some soccer games will be held at The Shipley School. All other activities will take place at Villanova University. Closing ceremonies will be held in The Pavilion on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
More than 2,500 volunteers from the Villanova student body and the surrounding community are expected to participate in the event this year, serving in numerous capacities including as officials, athlete escorts, award presenters, and administrative support services. For more information, go to the full news release or the official Villanova University Fall Festival web site.