To allow students to attend and assist with the Special Olympics State Basketball Championship Tournament, the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (SLCE) will host a volunteer trip to Tavares, Fla., from Jan. 29 to Jan. 31.
Students will work at the tournament and assist with tasks like announcing, recording scores, keeping time, giving out medals and making sure teams are in the right place.
Elizabeth Mazorowicz, graduate assistant for SLCE, was involved in the Special Olympics while she was an undergraduate student at Central Michigan University. She is now organizing the trip to the Special Olympics in Tavares.
“Working with the Special Olympics is the most incredible opportunity that I’ve ever had,” Mazorowicz said. “It’s unique, and it’s a really cool way to engage with people with special needs. You learn a lot about yourself.”
According to Mazorowicz, the games are a celebration. Students who volunteer will get to attend the opening ceremonies on Jan. 29. All of the teams in Florida have had to qualify to compete in the Special Olympics State Basketball Championship Tournament. Athletes can compete in individual skills, in addition to competing on teams.
“The athletes are all so hyped to be there,” Mazorowicz said. “They look forward to this all year. They’re ready to play, they’re ready to tell you about it, and they’re ready to show you all their medals. It’s awesome.”
The Special Olympics trip is a Sharks and Service (SAS) trip. SLCE organizes several SAS trips during the academic year.
Mazorowicz said that SAS trips give students the opportunity to target specific social issues.
“You get to go away to a different community, you learn about that community, and you learn about it the issue that’s affecting it,” she said.
Mariah Knowles, freshman finance major, went on a three-day SAS trip to Jacksonville in October to work at the Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch. The ranch hosts animals from zoos that have closed down and whose owners can’t care for them.
“If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet new people, SAS trips are a good chance for that,” said Knowles. “The trips aren’t expensive for what you get out of them. You get it back and then some for the experience of being at a place over the course of a few days and getting involved with an organization. It changes your life in a small way because of the service you’re providing to somebody else.”
The Special Olympics SAS trip is only open to NSU students. Students can sign up online at orgsync.com/45785/forms/176452. The cost is $30, which includes transportation, lodging and some meals.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at SLCE@nova.edu or 954-262-7195, or contact Mazorowicz at 954-262 7297 or em1404@nova.edu.
