“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
This Athlete Oath is set to fill everyone with enthusiasm as Villanovans prepare for this weekend’s upcoming Fall Fest. An annual Villanova tradition since 1989, Fall Fest has grown to become the single largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world.
But what is the history of Special Olympics, or “SpO,” at Villanova?
SpO is an international sports organization that holds events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
This year marks the 37th consecutive Fall Fest at Villanova. The event was originally brought to campus as a soccer tournament in 1979, and later led to Villanova’s first Fall Fest in 1989, featuring sports like roller skating, volleyball and LDRW (long distance running and walking). The event was eventually inherited by Student Life and is now almost entirely student run.
“It began as a regional event of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, and then every year it kind of evolved, adding more sports, adding ancillary events to the overall experience, and it’s gotten to the point where it is recognized as the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world,” Stephen Koch, SpO Faculty Advisor, said.
Having been Associate Director for Leadership Programs in the Office of Student Involvement for 14 years, Koch has seen the event evolve tremendously over time. The same can be said for Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) reps Bruce Bach, Senior Competition Director, and Hailey Euston, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications.
“We’ve seen the event grow, and now, for the many years since then, the students and our state office have worked hand in hand to continue to grow the event, to have more than 1000 athletes that are participating next weekend,” Euston said.
Fall Fest has evolved to include a large O-Town, where more than 100 student organizations set up games and activities for students, staff and athletes. The organizations turn the Quad on Main Campus into a village of frantic fun and exhilarating entertainment. Through O-Town, athletes get to enjoy some Villanova hospitality.
The Healthy Athletes component of SpO is also a part of the event’s evolution. In between competitions, athletes can go to Driscoll Hall and receive health screenings and checks on their eyes and ears. Athletes susceptible to overstimulation can find comfort at the low sensory spaces that the committee has incorporated to fulfill their needs.
“Students are really focusing on so many different skills: people management, budget management, resource management, and time management,” Koch said. “All of those skills are focused on to get us ready for the weekend, and the nine months of planning really brings out those skills.”
Koch noted that, with more students participating in Inclusion Crew over the years, more leadership opportunities have arisen. The bonds among those involved have also seen a lot of growth. Koch talked about the weekend-long SpO retreat held for the committee over Labor Day weekend, where students meet up at a retreat center right outside of Quakertown, PA.
“We get to know each other,” Koch said. “We appreciate personalities and strengths, and we really explore the mission of Fall Fest and what impact really has on our Special Olympics athletes and the Villanova community”
Eusten expressed her gratitude towards the numerous students who come on the day of the event, whether they are Local Program Hosts, Volunteer Coordinators, members of the Inclusion Crew or other students. She also loves how the committee has grown to address the different needs and responsibilities that are packaged with an event like Fall Fest.
“You see so many different groups coming out, offering activities, cheering our athletes on, but, even more, playing alongside our athletes,” Euston said.
Eusten also appreciates how Villanova has made strides towards increasing its Unified Sports offerings, which let individuals both with and without intellectual disabilities compete on the same team. She believes the mentality behind Fall Fest is exemplified by the Athlete Oath.
“It signifies leaving it all on the field, or, you know, going out there and busting down barriers in everyday life,” Eusten said. “Having a job, making friends, doing everything that humans want to do.”
Koch agreed.
“There’s always obstacles in life, but if you give it your all, you’re going to come out a winner, right?” Koch said.
Fall Fest exemplifies that mentality: treating every obstacle like a learning experience and continuously striving to improve oneself with the support of others who help us reach our goals.
