ECU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee joins forces with Pitt County Special Olympics

It was a special day for the Pitt County Special Olympics, as athletes across the county came together to compete in the annual games April 20, at J.H. Rose High School. Members of the ECU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) showed their support by making it a great experience for the athletes.

"The Special Olympics give our student-athletes the opportunity to be a fan and support other athletes, just as they themselves are supported during their sporting events," said the director of life skills at ECU, Danielle Morrin.

Every year, ECU student-athletes offer their time and support to Special Olympics participants. The torch lit during the opening ceremonies signaled the start of the track and field events to around 400 athletes and over 600 volunteers. The student-athletes accompany the participants throughout each step of the games including the softball throw, standing long jump and various distance events on the track.

Prior to the games, athletes and volunteers enjoyed speeches from Scottie Montgomery, ECU football head coach, and Brian Bailey, sports director at WNCT-TV. Special Olympics athlete Billy Davis recited the athlete's oath.

Among the 600 volunteers was Rachel Renfrow, a SAAC member who competed in her final season with the ECU women's soccer team in the fall of 2017.

"It was an awesome experience," she said. "Loving on these kids and supporting them was an inexpressible feeling. I think I never stopped smiling."

For the athletes at ECU, this is an opportunity to give back to the community that gives an overwhelming amount of support to the university's athletics program.

"Our student-athletes love volunteering at the games. They get to give encouraging words, cheer and see someone else's hard work pay off. By creating this great relationship with the Pitt County Special Olympics, our student-athletes are also able to create lasting relationships with the athletes that last for more than just one event," said Morrin.

At the conclusion of the events, they made their way to the awards ceremony. Each athlete received a ribbon based on rankings in their heat, followed by a chance to shine on the podium.

"If I can spread the same amount of love I felt from these kids on a daily basis, then I'd be doing something," said Renfrow.

For ECU athletes, the Pitt County Special Olympics is an avenue to connect and encourage others in the community.

"We all have been given an opportunity to make an impact through our sport, and using our platform to help the community is something that athletes shouldn't take lightly," said Renfrow.