In just a couple of days, the Special Olympics Fall Fest will commence and bring thousands of volunteers together to celebrate the mission of inclusion.
Two of the most popular ways students get involved in Special Olympics are through the Volunteer Coordinator (VC) program and the Inclusion Crew (IC) program.
There are 105 VCs this year who lead more than 1100 ICs in volunteering at this year’s Special Olympics and making a massive impact on the entire weekend’s success for all athletes.
Volunteer Coordinator (VC):
Junior Ryan Murphy, who is on the Special Olympics committee, co-leads the VCs and dove into what a VC is and their role during Fall Fest.
What truly is a VC?
“A VC is someone who consistently takes time out of their busy schedule to be more involved with an amazing organization,” Murphy said. “They are committed to making Fall Fest the best it’s ever been, and I have full confidence this year that we are all going to do that.”
What is the role of a VC on the day of Fall Fest?
“The ‘role’ of VCs is to help run their function of the event, whether that be an athletic competition like powerlifting or running an awards ceremony,” Murphy said. “Additionally, VCs are there to help guide their IC [cube] and delegate tasks for them.”
Senior Allie D’Angelo, who serves as the VC Committee Chair this year, shared the impact the VC program has had and reflects on her experience leading it.
What makes the VC program special?
“The VC program is special because it’s built on mentorship and shared purpose,” D’Angelo said. “Through weekly meetings and collaboration, VCs serve as leaders, helping every IC understand that their role matters and that inclusion starts with each of us.”
How has your experience been leading the VCs?
“Each week, I’ve had the privilege of watching the VCs grow into confident, compassionate leaders for their IC meetings,” D’Angelo said. “Seeing that growth and knowing they’ll bring that same spirit to Fall Fest, and beyond, is what makes this role so meaningful to me.”
Inclusion Crew (IC):
Senior Brooke Manganiello, who is on the Special Olympics IC Committee, shared what an IC is and its role during Fall Fest.
What is an IC?
“IC members are the best cheerleaders at events, dance partners at O-Town and listening ears and supporters whenever they are needed,” Manganiello said. “An IC member is someone who really does want to make an impact on people’s lives.”
What is the role of an IC during Fall Fest?
“Weekend of, ICs should be ready to bring the energy and make this weekend the most memorable of the year,” Manganiello said. “If an IC leaves the weekend with a scratchy voice, tired feet, and a smile on their face, then they did everything right.”
Junior Ali Benjamin, who was an IC last year and a Healthy Athletes VC this year, reflected on her experience last year and how it has prepared her to lead her own IC at this year’s Fall Fest.
What was your experience being an IC?
“I was an IC last year, so getting to see the other side of all the hard work my VCs put in last year to make Fall Fest so amazing is such a cool experience,” Benjamin said.
How has it been leading an IC?
“Leading ICs is really fun. My co-cube leader and I get to share some of our favorite memories from previous Fall Fests with the people we will get to spend the weekend making new memories with,” Benjamin said.
What is ‘my why’?
Jessica Repetto, who is a soccer 5v5 VC this year, explained her ‘why,’ which students are typically asked to share during a VC or IC meeting.
“One of my favorite things about Fall Fest is being able to see the hard work and passion of the athletes shine through during their competition, and I loved being able to see them in their element in November,” Repetto said. For any student at Villanova, regardless of whether they ever participated in SpO or Fall Fest in the past, Repetto emphaszies there never is a point when someone still can’t get involved in some way.
“Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, it’s never too late to fall in love with the magic of Fall Fest,” Repetto said. “Everyone has their own pathway to finding their ‘why.’”
Both VCs and ICs alike play a critically pivotal role in welcoming athletes to campus and ensuring that the entirety of Fall Fest weekend is a success and magically for each and every athlete participating. this year.
