PVAMU Becomes First HBCU To Host A Special Olympics Texas Event
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on April 20, 2021 Dozens of the best young athletes from Southeast Texas headed to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) on April 16 to take part in the University’s inaugural Texas Special Olympics (SOTX) track and field contest. PVAMU is the first historically black college/university (HBCU) to host the meet in Texas. “Special Olympics Texas is thrilled to be collaborating with Prairie View A&M to make our inaugural Unified Track & Field season a huge success,” shared Ben Johnson, Unified Champion Schools Specialist – East Region. “We believe that the Regional Meet will be a phenomenal experience that will forever be remembered by all that are involved with this historic event.” PVAMU’s Track & Field Stadium has been a world-renowned host of USA Track and Field qualifying contests. The SOTX event will be a University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition. Unified teams consist of student-athletes with and without intellectual disabilities. Airel Stewart, a senior biology major at PVAMU from Midlothian, Texas, worked to bring the meet to the University with the help of her professors. “With [my professors’ support], and several others on campus, it took three years to bring the Special Olympics to PVAMU. And, to have President [Ruth] Simmons’ support? It meant everything,” said Stewart, who first volunteered with SOTX during her senior year in high school. “It was an experience that I latched on to. Being around the athletes helped build my character and my patience, and I loved it! I know the PVAMU volunteers will have the same life-changing experience with these outstanding kids!” PVAMU hosted seven teams from the East Region (Greater Houston area) for the contest. Athletes will compete in the following events: Long Jump Shot Put 100m 400m 4 x 100m Relay (Girls) 4 x 100m Relay (Boys) The top four teams will compete in the Unified Track & Field UIL State Championship, April 29 – May 2, 2021, in San Antonio. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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