SWU Welcomed Special Olympics Spring Games
Apr 24, 2025 | Special Events
CENTRAL, S.C. — Southern Wesleyan University was proud to welcome the Area 13 Special Olympics Spring Games to campus on April 11, 2025. Area 13 includes Oconee and Pickens Counties which consists of over 850 Special Olympics athletes. The competition took place at the Joe R. Gilbert Track and Field and included traditional track and field events and Special Olympics events. The theme for the 2025 games was “Saddle Up for Special Olympics” as athletes and attendees dressed in their best rodeo apparel.
“We were proud, honored, and delighted to host the Special Olympics at Southern Wesleyan University,” said Dr. Bill Barker, University President. “We value every single athlete with their unique gifts and abilities. We especially value the resiliency it takes for these athletes to overcome challenges in their lives. We deeply appreciate not just the competitors, but also all the teachers, parents, family members, and the entire Special Olympics community.”
“We’re a Christian university, and we deeply believe that everyone is created in the image of God,” Dr. Barker said. “That has implications. If you really believe that everyone is truly made in the image of God, you’re going to inherently value them and want to get to know them and the beauty of who they are. It’s exciting for us to play a role in celebrating these athletes.”
Special Olympics South Carolina’s mission 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.
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu.
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