VermontBiz Norwich University will host the Special Olympics Vermont Unified Champion Schools Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, October 11 from 9:30am to 1pm.
This event will host teams from throughout the state including: BFA St. Albans, Brattleboro Union High School, Burr and Burton Academy, Hartford High School, Middlebury Union Middle School, Mount Anthony Union High School, Mount Mansfield Union High School, Rutland Intermediate Middle School, Rutland High School and Woodstock Schools.
The event is facilitated in partnership with Norwich University’s physical education department, the first program of its kind at an American college or university.
“The Unified Champion Schools Soccer Tournament at Norwich University is an event we look forward to every year,” said Special Olympics Vermont President & CEO, Sarah McCaffrey. “The support that the Norwich community provides not only for this event, but for Special Olympics Vermont year round is unmatched. We are so grateful to Norwich for their commitment to making Vermont a more inclusive state.”
Special Olympics Vermont was founded in 1971, and serves over 2,000 athletes across the state every year. Norwich has been hosting tournaments and other events on campus since the ’80s. From 1986 to 1988, Norwich University facilitated a Special Olympics soccer event at nearby U-32 Middle and High School until the event moved to Norwich’s Northfield, Vermont campus in 1989, where it has continued. Norwich has hosted Special Olympics Vermont’s Annual Basketball Tournament for 20 years, and the Young Athletes Program over the past 10 years. In 2016, Norwich’s partnership with SOVT grew to include hosting the Unified Schools Soccer Tournament and the inaugural Fall Games. Also in 2016, a student-run organization overseen by Norwich University’s Center for Civic Engagement began Unify, a program dedicated to partnering with Special Olympics Vermont. Unify uses the Special Olympics Unified Fitness model, and meets weekly with SOVT athletes and allies from across Central Vermont to train and build skills around various competitive sports as well as general physical fitness and wellness. Between these course offerings, hosting events, and civic engagement opportunities including a massive volunteer effort at Special Olympics Vermont’s annual Penguin Plunge in Lake Champlain, approximately 200 Norwich students work with SOVT athletes and programs each year.
Special Olympics Vermont named Norwich University Organization of the Year in 2016.
About Special Olympics Vermont
Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsvermont.org.
