North Carolina State University Athletics
W. Tennis Hosts Special Olympics
11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
With over 50 Special Olympic athletes and 250 volunteers the event was a resounding success. The games lasted all day Saturday and part of Sunday. Athletes that participate in the Special Olympics have intellectual disabilities, but have a true passion for sports and life.
Each member of the Wolfpack tennis team was assigned a North Carolina county consisting of Special Olympic athletes. While there was competition between the athletes, stations were also set up at each court for them to learn how to volley, serve and hit forehands and backhands.
On Saturday night, a dance was held inside the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center. With the music blasting, everyone was out on the dance floor having a great time.
Two members of the women’s tennis team, Sandhya Nagaraj and Daria Petrovic, helped coordinate the event. “For me, it was a very special experience I won’t forget,” said Nagaraj. “It meant a lot to me to see the athletes getting out there, playing and just enjoying themselves.”
Head coach Hans Olsen thought the interaction with the Special Olympic athletes hit home with the team. “We were proud of the team and the relationships they built,” said Olsen. “The girls put a lot into it and got a lot in return.”
