JMU Athletics Celebrates 11th Day with the Dukes

On Saturday, September 9, James Madison student-athletes and psychology students welcomed the athletes from Special Olympics Virginia for the 11^th annual Day with the Dukes presented by Martin's Foods, a special day in Godwin Hall and Bridgeforth Stadium filled with fun and sports.

The Special Olympians spent their day interacting with student-athletes from the men's and women's basketball teams, football, cheerleading and representatives of several other programs. Participants kicked field goals, ran routes, shot free throws and learned JMU cheers, amongst other activities. With them throughout the day were their psychology student-buddies, cheering them on and encouraging them.

This year was another occurrence in the event that has taken place every year since 2006. The event was started on the vision of Jesse Tarr, a tennis student-athlete at the time who was inspired by the Make-A-Wish campaign and wanted to incorporate his experience as a student-athlete into volunteer work.

When developing the idea, he reached out to psychology professor, Dr. Bill Evans, who loved the idea. From there, Jesse and Dr. Evans took the concept to Jeff Bourne, who was immediately sold on making it reality. Dr. Evans has been involved ever since, along with the project manager for the Shenandoah Region of Special Olympics Virginia, Jennifer Gordon.

85749

Women's basketball Head Coach Sean O'Regan, who has had his team participate for each of his 10 years at JMU, gave some insight into the value he sees in his athletes participating in the event. "It means something to me, to bring joy to anybody you can," O'Regan said. "If people want five minutes with you, give them the best five minutes you can give them."

One of his student-athletes, senior guard Hailee Barron, has participated in all four of her years at JMU. "I have opened up as a person more, it has opened my eyes to the different people in our community," Barron said. "It has helped me figure out what I want to do with my life. I know I want to work with people, just that I can make someone smile one time during the day."

View full photo gallery
85748

After many drills, pictures and autographs, the athletes headed to a lunch outside of Godwin before heading into Bridgeforth Stadium to watch the football Dukes beat the Buccaneers of ETSU 52-10.