Villanova University Hosts World's Largest Student-Run Special Olympics Event
VILLANOVA, Pa. (CBS) -- Villanova University is buzzing this weekend as the 27th annual Special Olympics Fall Festival returns, bringing more than 1,500 athletes and coaches to campus.
This is the world's largest student-run Special Olympics event.
Villanova senior Bobby Reiff is the festival director. He says the entire campus gets involved.
"Students know coming in freshman year that this is a big thing on campus that people really look forward to," Reiff says. "So I think, regardless if they're registered volunteers or not, they come out and support the athletes."
More than 3,000 volunteers help make the athletes and their families feel welcome. Aida Mohajeri is working with the children.
"Just seeing all the kids laugh and come together is one of the best experiences I can ever have," Mohajeri says.
Freshman volunteer Lauren is getting her first taste of the campus tradition.
"I've gotten so many hugs already," she says. "It's been awesome. Such an amazing experience."
Athletes compete in several events, including soccer, volleyball, inline skating and power lifting.
The event continues through Sunday.
