Extra Special – Fall Festival 2001
Kate Rainka ‘03

It has been spoken of as the happiest weekend of the year, the most hopeful, and the most spirited – Nov. 2-4, Special Olympics Fall Festival 2001. Three days when nearly everyone on campus dons a T-shirt, a smile and enters the inspirational world of Special Olympics. For three sunny days, 950 athletes from all over the state of Pennsylvania competed in events such as power lifting, distance running, soccer, roller-skating, volleyball and bocce ball.

This completely student-run festival involved over 2,000 student volunteers doing everything from arranging the actual festival, to security and medical service, to awarding medals, cheering and running the Olympic Village. For many of these volunteers it meant staying up nights until it was really morning, and rising before 6 a.m. When asked what inspired her to put forth so much time, energy and enthusiasm, junior Maureen Dirscherl, Facilities chair said, “The hard work and dedication of the athletes inspires us all to make this weekend the greatest that is could ever be.” And it was.