The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sport, shifts focus to what athletes CAN do, not what they can't. Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see athletes' talents and abilities—and applaud them for all that they can do. And they are doing a lot—from gymnastics to soccer to open-water swimming. With their 30-plus Olympic-style sports, Special Olympics offers adults and children with intellectual disabilities many ways to be involved in their communities, many ways to show who they really are.

While at Villanova, I was humbled to be on the SPO committee and to be a part of this movement for inclusion and respect. When I began working with Special Olympics, I thought I would be giving back to the athletes. In retrospect, I gave them nothing compared to what they gave me through their joy, laughter, and friendship. I am thankful for the athlete friendships I've maintained since my time at Nova and proud to be able to run on their behalf.