About the Committee

"Going into my third year on the committee and my fourth year working with Special Olympics, I'm incredibly proud to be part of this organization that has provided me with some of the most inspiring, fun, and memorable experiences of my life. I can't wait for this year's Fall Fest - Villanova wouldn't be the same without it."
- Ryan Bowles, '09 Director of Administration
Villanova University's Special Olympics Committee represents the largest student run Special Olympics event in the world. Comprised of 82 dedicated students, the committee works year round in preparation for our Fall Festival. Nicknamed "SpO" for short, the committee provides a unique opportunity for Villanova students to experience event planning for the festival first hand; students organize every aspect of the festival, whether its simply making balloon arches, managing the budget, or coordinating thousands of volunteers. Members are chosen from a pool of hundreds of diverse applicants from all classes, but all are brought together by their dedication and love for Special Olympics and its athletes. The intercommittee collaboration, devotion, and work ethic embodies the Villanova tradition of "unitas, caritas, veritas" perhaps better than any other student organization on campus.

How To Get Involved: Applications to be part of the committee are made available each year at the end of January. A full list of committee positions and opportunities, along with a copy of our most recent application, is available here. You can also view our current committee roster or sign up for additional volunteer opportunities. First semester freshmen are not eligible to apply for the committee due to the timing of the festival, but they are encouraged to apply for our LPH program (Local Program Host), which is designed specifically for freshmen students.

About the Fall Festival

• Directions to the Campus
• Venue Information

Villanova University is the official host of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania state games in the fall, one of four statewide Special Olympic events. The Fall Festival at Villanova will be celebrating its 21st anniversary on Nov. 6-8, 2009. During the weekend, the campus plays host to over 1,000 athletes, 400 coaches, 3,000 volunteers and the many corporate sponsors and media outlets that provide coverage for the event. The athletes who participate in the Fall Festival compete in six Olympic-type sports; bocce, long distance running, power-lifting, roller skating, soccer, and volleyball. All housing and meals for the weekend are provided by Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Villanova University.

Special Olympics is a life-changing movement of people helping people. The athletes of Special Olympics -- more than 20,000 alone in Pennsylvania -- are constant reminders of all that is right with the human spirit.

About the Festival Director

The Festival Director for the games changes with the Fall Festival each year. Villanova students who are interested in the position must endure a rigorous application process and have had significant committee experience along with a strong academic track record. This year's director, Allison Kahl ('10), is no exception. A triple major in Economics, History, and Honors Studies, Allison has consistently shown her dedication to the athletes and the success of the festival. Kahl previously held the position of Food Chair and is also involved on campus as a Resident Assistant and with Habitat for Humanity. Entering her fourth year working with Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and the Villanova Fall Festival, Allison's experience will no doubt help to bring the event to new heights. As always, the festival director can be contacted at festivaldirector@villanovaspo.com.

Our Running Journal

November 9, 2009

We've Set Sail!
Thanks to all the athletes, coaches, and volunteers for making this Fall Festival the best yet at Villanova University. We easily broke our volunteer record for the weekend, and thanks to some great weather, we saw some amazing competition from the athletes. We'll be posting some videos and pictures from the event soon, but in the meantime help us complete this survey. Competition results are also available

October 27, 2009

Peace A Pizza Fundraiser
Come to Peace A Pizza in Rosemont on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 from 5:00-9:00pm and bring this coupon to help support Special Olympics. During this fundraiser, Peace A Pizza will donate 20% of all proceeds to Villanova Special Olympics.

October 20, 2009

Our Newest Commercial
Be on the lookout for our latest commercial, now airing. Thanks to Louis Riccardi and the rest of the Media/Publicity Committee for all their hard work.

October 19, 2009

Coaches Handbook, Schedule Set
The new Coaches' Handbook is ready for viewing! Get all the detailed event information and schedules and remember to check back regularly in the weeks leading up to the festival for updates.

October 7, 2009

Start Your Day WRIGHT
Check out Villanova Special Olympics newest fundraiser - Jay Wright Mugs! All of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Fall Festival. Mugs can be purchased in Dougherty Hall 214 and 215 or online at villanovatix.com. Wildcard is accepted in Dougherty; credit cards are accepted online. Available in Portrait or Caricature!

October 4, 2009

Eastern Fall Sectional at East Stroudsburg
The Villanova Special Olympics Committee will be attending the Fall Sectional at East Stroudsburg University to volunteer and cheer on athletes as they compete and qualify for the Villanova Fall Festival.

September 25, 2009

SpO Week Concludes
Dedicated to Special Olympics awareness on campus, SpO Week was held from September 21st-25th. Events included our "Pick a Duck" fact booth, volunteer recruitment nights, STRIDES 5k roadrace, a 2nd Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, and a Sport your SpO day! Thanks to all who participated and made the week such a great success!

August 31, 2009

"Make Waves With STRIDES!"
Registration is now open for Villanova Special Olympics' biggest annual fundraiser. Come join us for this 5k run/walk and show us your support!

August 24, 2009

Attention Freshmen:
LPH applications are now available! Learn more about this great opportunity and download your application here.

August 12, 2009

A Message from the Festival Director:
"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Founder of Special Olympics, yesterday morning. She was an incredible woman dedicated to her vision of equality and inclusion for those with disabilities, of a different race or of a different gender. We encourage you to take a moment to look at her website, eunicekennedyshriver.org, and pass on her legacy." -Allison Kahl, '09 Festival Director

May 7, 2009

Villanova University was honored to receive this year's Chairman's Choice Award at the 2009 Special Olympics of Pennsylvania Hall of Fame Dinner. The 14th annual dinner and induction ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing, celebrated the accomplishments of four extraordinary athletes along with two very dedicated volunteers. Management Team would like to once again congratulate these inductees on their achievements and thank Special Olympics of Pennsylvania for the prestigous award.

April 27, 2009

Villanova Special Olympics hosted its semi-annual fundraiser at Peace A Pizza in Rosemont! Twenty percent of all sales went to benefit Villanova Special Olympics. Thanks to all who participated!

April 17, 2009:

The Fall Festival Committee announced its theme for 2009! Get ready to "SET SAIL FOR FALL FEST" -- this year's festival will be nautical themed!!!

March 31, 2009:

The Committee launched an awareness campaign on campus in association with the national Special Olympics "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign, encouraging students and the community to end the derogatory use of the word "retard" in conversation. The campagin was a huge success, as over 1,300 bright neon stickers were passed out reading "End the Word" with the letter "R" crossed out. Hundreds of students also signed posters pledging to end their use of the word. Those interested in pledging still can by visiting www.r-word.org.

Special Olympics Office l 215 Dougherty Hall l 800 Lancaster Ave l Villanova, PA 19085 l (610) 519-7244 l info@villanovaspo.com