For over 20 years, The Catholic University of America has hosted the annual Special Olympics D.C. Summer Games, where adults and children with intellectual disabilities compete for gold.
College softball player McKenzie Plante, BA 2021, said at last week’s four-day event that sharing the spaces she loves with the athletes is one of the highlights of her work at Special Olympics D.C. The organization hosts sports events, athletic training, and health programming year-round for 2,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the nation’s capital.
“As an alum, it is so awesome to come back to the fields that I once played on,” Plante said while looking out at the crowds gathered at the Raymond A. DuFour Athletic Center. “To see such an inclusive event happening here is really impactful… For me personally, it just shows that Catholic is an inclusive place.”
A light drizzle of rain did not dampen the spirits of the athletes, who competed in various outdoor events including soccer and track and field. Plante escorted University President Peter Kilpatrick and his wife Nancy during their visit, introducing them to participants and cheering them on. Dr. Kilpatrick was honored to present medals to the winning athletes at the medal ceremonies held while he attended the Games.
“Having President Kilpatrick come out today shows our athletes the support of Catholic University,” said Plante.
Plante is grateful for how the friendship between the University and Special Olympics D.C. has blossomed over the years. She said during the academic year many student athletes volunteer to support their programming, including training and playing alongside participants in Unified Sports events.
She credits her University experience for putting her on track for her career of service. During her senior year as an educational studies major, she interned at Special Olympics D.C. which turned out to be a quick commute because the headquarters is at Theological College. Plante now works full-time as development manager for the organization and hopes to grow the relationship between two places so close to her heart.
“We’re super excited to get more student athletes and more students on campus involved,” said Plante. “If our world can be more inclusive it's going to be a better place for everyone.”