Page 56 March 2014 ARCADIA SPORTS By Nicholas Smith One of the most unique and inspiring athletic events in the state took place February 7 on the campus of Brophy College Preparatory. For the 6th year in a row, the school held an annual Special Olympics Game Day, where athletes from all over could come and compete. Christopher Calderon, the assistant principle for ministry at Brophy, spearheaded the event this year. He undoubtedly was a driving force in making the event happen, but who he credits for the event’s success begins to shed light on what a unique event the game day really is. “The freshmen are who run the event,” Calderon said. “Their involvement in the games is one of the most important parts of their year.” Service is a huge part of the life of a Brophy student, and the freshman year is ripe with examples. Every freshman goes on a retreat in the fall and spends time volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul. But the biggest volunteering day of the year is the Special Olympics, where freshman play an absolutely integral part of the proceedings. “On the day of the games, every freshman at Brophy is excused from their class by their teachers,” said Calderon. “We tell the boys this again and again: our experience at Brophy isn’t limited to 4701 N. Central. As we serve one another, we become friends, and learn to care for Special Olympics brings joy for participants, volunteers now open! 2902 N. 68th St. 480-773-7706 giantscottsdale.com your family friendly, professional, locally owned, super awesome bike shop is now open in your neighborhood largest selection of Giant bicycles in az bikes ranging from youth to pro level racing we service all brands financing available open seven days a week (NW corner of 68th st. and thomas) one another. Service is at the forefront, by friendship is what comes out of it.” athletes arrived by bus to the campus, three hundred and forty freshman at Brophy were waiting for them, applauding as the visitors came off the buses. Each athlete is matched up with two or three Brophy freshmen, and the group stays together at all times as they go from event to event. athletes and students say the pledge, recite the special Olympian oath, and have a brief moment of prayer together. The second round is all about basketball. The athletes get to play on Brophy’s court, a huge treat for the kids, most of whom have never gotten to play in an arena that big before. For the third round, the boys head out to the outdoor plaza, where a DJ hosts a dance party. “This is one of my favorite parts of the day,” said Calderon. “You have freshman who might usually be on an iPad, and athletes with disabilities with varying levels interacting with others. But out comes out of their shell and has a blast dancing together.” This year one athlete felt so comfortable that he started a conga line during the dancing session. Other students and athletes joined, with the line eventually reaching close to one hundred people. The fourth round of the day is a period for snacks and games like checkers and connect four. This was one of the more poignant moments of the day, showing how excited the freshman were to interact with their athletes. “This year we told the students we wanted them to provide the snacks, challenging them to help serve the visiting athletes,” Calderon said. “It ended up of things. The students brought so many snacks that we ended up with three boxes left over.” races, hula hoops, and Frisbees, before the students and athletes bid farewell to their new friends. The event has become so much fun for the athletes over the last few years that there is a waiting list for athletes to participate. Although the event is clearly about the games the athletes get to play, what makes the event unique is the bond that is formed between the Brophy freshmen and the athletes who spend the day with them. “I always tell the boys that it’s great to serve, to hand out sandwiches and dinners, or whatever it is you’re doing,” Calderon said. “But if you handed out a hundred sandwiches and didn’t learn names or get to know anyone you were serving, you missed the opportunity. It’s about the relationships. And that’s what makes this event special. Our boys will always remember their athlete, even ten years from now.” An Olympic participant shows excitement about the day.
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