WAVERLY, Iowa--  On Saturday Feb 9, Wartburg College partnered with local high school students and the Kiwanis Club of Waverly for the 15^th annual Special Olympics – Unified Sports Day.
 
A total of 160 volunteers connected with 120 athletes from surrounding northeastern Iowa communities to participate in basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, bowling, and much more. The Kiwanis club assisted registration, served lunch, and made a $1000 donation to the Special Olympics of Iowa.
 
This was the second year of the NCAA Division III’s partnership with Special Olympics. Wartburg’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) led the organizational efforts for this year’s event.
 
Individuals from Wartburg’s student body and SAAC members served on the Steering Committee for the day that helped with promotion, setup, registration and overall participation throughout the event.
 
Sophomore Jessica Brunko serves Wartburg’s SAAC as well as the Steering Committee and believes volunteering is a valuable experience.
 
“Participating in Unified Sports Day brings together many individuals on the Wartburg campus allowing them to give back to not only the Waverly community but from surrounding communities as well, this event is very rewarding,” said Brunko.
 
Being involved in past years has drawn many students back to volunteer. Junior Eddie Diemer is in his second year serving on the student-led Steering Committee.
 
"I initially got involved in Unified Sports Day because it was a great opportunity to give back to the community and have a lot fun while doing it. I will definitely stay involved next year,” said Diemer.
 
The number of volunteers has steadily grown to help make this day memorable.  
 
“You can see the joy it brings the athletes and volunteers – I think that is why so many volunteers choose to get involved each year,” Diemer said.
 
First time volunteers also enjoyed their experience with Unified Sports Day.
 
“It was my first time volunteering and I enjoyed the entire day.  It was great to see each of the participants having so much fun with the activities. I got involved because I had heard good things about the event in the past,” said senior SAAC member Jordan Conrad.
 
Involvement from Wartburg students helped create an unforgettable day for everyone involved in this year’s Unified Sports Day.