BOSTON – Suffolk women's hockey's work with Massachusetts Special Olympics last season is up for consideration for the NCAA Division III August Special Olympics Spotlight. To vote for the Rams, click here.  

In its second season, Suffolk women's hockey, under the leadership of Taylor Wasylk, partnered with Special Olympics of Massachusetts for its third-jersey game. Prior to the puck drop on January 25, 2020, the Rams took its home ice at Louis E. Porrazzo Memorial Rink Arena November 19 with Special Olympic Athletes.  

In the national August poll, Suffolk is going head-to-head with Old Westbury's baseball team and Wilmington's basketball programs for a $500 stipend from the NCAA to use for its next Special Olympics event. Voting closes on Wednesday, August 26, 2020.  

The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiated the partnership at the 2011 NCAA Convention and officially launched the partnership on August 1, 2011. The purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities; and raise awareness of Special Olympics, its programs and services.  

Through this partnership, Division III student-athletes across the country are encouraged to participate in existing Special Olympics events, or otherwise serve to support Special Olympics organization. The activities pursued by student-athletes will vary in each state and region, tailored to best utilize the student-athletes' time and local resources. Service activities with Special Olympics athletes range from unified events to sports clinics to bowling as well as pizza parties or fundraising efforts.  

Overall, the partnership provides the partnership for student-athletes to engaged with Special Olympics and collaborate with existing student-led programs on campus. It also serves as another opportunity to demonstrate the citizenship and comprehensive learning attributes of Division III student-athletes. Student-athletes giving back to their local (and often national and international) communities not only adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III, bust also provides a venue for passion and service. 

Women's Hockey Skates with Special Olympics