Kansas SAAC Hosts Special Olympics Event in Shawnee

Dec. 12, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Members of the University of Kansas Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a Jayhawk SAAC/Special Olympics event Friday afternoon at Powerplay in Shawnee, Kan. Several KU student-athletes from all teams not traveling or preparing for competition this weekend participated in the event.

“The event was a fantastic success,” Chris Hahn, President/CEO of Special Olympics Kansas, said. “Both groups of athletes had a great time and made new friendships. This is what the Big 12 Conference was striving for when they selected Special Olympics as their charity of choice. What a day!”

Jayhawks that helped out included football players Kerry Meier, Darrell Stuckey, Mike Rivera, James Holt, Joe Mortensen, and more. Also present were Jayhawk student-athletes from the Kansas City area, including volleyball player and recently named Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year Katie Martincich, track and field athlete Victoria Howard, and softball player Amanda Jobe.

“I’ve volunteered with the Special Olympics before, but every time it’s like a brand new experience,” KU junior track & field athlete Jordan Scott said. “It’s a joy to meet and bond with them, and they’re definitely not the only ones benefiting from it.”

SAAC is a committee comprised of student-athlete representatives from all Kansas Athletics teams. The purpose of the SAAC is to provide student-athletes the opportunity to communicate more effectively with University of Kansas athletics administration, coaches, and staff. It enables student-athletes to provide recommendations for the improvement of academics, athletics and social experience.

The Jayhawk SAAC recently celebrated the holiday season by raising more than $1000 in donations from their teammates and adopting 27 children through the Haskell Indian Nations University “Adopt a Haskell Rascal” Project 2008.