Salem, Mass. -- The Salem State University Athletics Department has been named as an Award of Merit winner by the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA)/Jostens Community Service Awards.
SSU was honored at this year’s NCAA Annual Convention in Grapevine, Texas where it received one of only three awards at this level in Division III Athletics. The Vikings, who also won an Honorable Mention Award in 2007, were honored for their partnership with the Special Olympics and the service performed by student-athletes during the 2011-2012 academic year. Last April, 24th Salem State University student-athletes and coaches volunteered at the 1st Annual Halfway to Halloween 5K Road Race in Salem, Mass. This event, which included a 1K fun run, was a fundraiser for the Special Olympics North Shore. Despite the rain and cool temps, this inaugural race was a success with over 180 runners competing. SSU volunteers were involved in registration, event management, post event activities, and served as running buddies to the Special Olympians from across the North Shore who competed in both the 1K and 5K courses.
The SSU student-athletes and coaches have continued their commitment to Special Olympics into the current academic year, with volunteers from the cross country teams volunteering at the Special Olympics North Shore’s “Jolly Jaunt” Road Race held in December. Additionally, SSU student-athletes and coaches will be hosting the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference’s 2013 community service project this spring. This project will feature an afternoon of sports clinics with local Special Olympians, with activities led by student-athletes and coaches from all eight Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletics Conference (MASCAC )institutions.
