General | 02/20/2025 13:42:00 PM
Waverly, iowa – The Wartburg College, led by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), organized its 26th annual unified sports day on Saturday, February 8. The event took place inside the Ohle Wartburg-Waverly “The W” Sports and Wellness Center.
Special Olympic athletes and Wartburg athletes have teamed up and played matches such as basketball, musical chairs, bowling, softball, arts and crafts and many other fun events. Avery Mize and Clay Nielsen of the women’s football and male basketball team, respectively, were the main organizers of this year’s event.
“Unified sports day has always been a highlight of each year, I went to Wartburg,” said Mize. “I love the opportunity to bring together individuals from all sports and from all walks of life for a funny day of exercise and movement!”
“I wanted to help direct this event this year, because it was a perfect opportunity to gain experience with leadership in an encouraging environment,” said Nielsen. “I learned a lot about management and directing others during this event.
“What brings me back is the smiles I see on everyone’s faces, including mine,” he continued. “The athletes have a good time during this event, Wartburg students have a good time at this event, and I have fun!”
In total, Wartburg had 241 student-athletes and 78 special Olympic athletes who participated this year.
“I am so proud that so many Wartburg students participated in this event,” said Nielsen. “February is a period responsible for the year for winter and spring / autumn athletes, and even finding on Saturday can sometimes be a challenge. Despite this, so many student-athletes arise anyway, anyway, put a big smile and have an incredible time improves the days of these athletes.
“It’s so surprising that we get such a high participation rate here in Wartburg,” said Mize. “As president of SAAAC, I participate in the SAAC meetings on the conference scale, and it’s so cool to share our great opportunities that we have to connect with the Waverly community and the special Olympic Games of Iowa !! Wartburg is a star in this category, and it would not be so without the continuous participation and the support of our athletes here in Wartburg.
Asked about his favorite game of the day, Mize said: “It is difficult to choose a single part of the day. But this year, I was mainly part of the musical chairs station which turned out to be so fun and was filled To dance and laugh.
Nielsen echoes these thoughts. “My favorite game of the day is the basketball match on the central field we make with the athletes who play against the students of Wartburg. I am partial because I play basketball, but it’s a good time, And the applause with everyone around the field are incredible! “
Wartburg Saaac and the special Olympic Games help make this day fun.
“The relationships that are created through this event are sustainable and significant,” said Mize. “Now that I have been part of this event for four years, I am able to reconnect with friends from previous years. This year has been filled with so many joyful hugs and laughter with the athletes that I met since the years past.