Completed Event: Field Hockey at American on September 7, 2025 , Win , 4, to, 1
FH
Final
James Madison
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at American
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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
JMU Athletics Hosts Annual Day with the Dukes
9/11/2019 8:35:00 AM | Civic Engagement
On Saturday, September 7th, 2019, prior to James Madison's first home football game of the season, Â the athletes of Special Olympics Virginia met with JMU student-athletes for Day with the Dukes.
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"It's their favorite day of the year," said Bill Evans, a psychology professor who has helped make this partnership happen for many years.
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The Special Olympians were active throughout a long day, interacting with JMU student-athletes from football, women's basketball, men's basketball, men's soccer and cheerleading, as well as the Marching Royal Dukes. From the Convocation Center to Bridgeforth Stadium to Godwin Gymnasium, the Special Olympians participated in many activities and connected with JMU student-athletes.
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"Days like these are why I go so hard in my sport," women's basketball senior Kamiah Smalls said. "Being able to put a smile on their faces and genuinely see the joy in their eyes is hands down the best part of the experience."
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Sophomore Deshon Parker from men's basketball described the time spent with the Special Olympic athletes as an "indiscernible feeling of joy."
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"There is a special bond just because of the connection with sports," Evans said. "It is a great way to bring people together and (…) it is just the glue for the day."
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After the Dog Walk with the JMU football team and a lunch break the Special Olympic athletes also attended the first home game of the JMU football season against Saint Francis.
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"It's their favorite day of the year," said Bill Evans, a psychology professor who has helped make this partnership happen for many years.
Â
The Special Olympians were active throughout a long day, interacting with JMU student-athletes from football, women's basketball, men's basketball, men's soccer and cheerleading, as well as the Marching Royal Dukes. From the Convocation Center to Bridgeforth Stadium to Godwin Gymnasium, the Special Olympians participated in many activities and connected with JMU student-athletes.
Â
"Days like these are why I go so hard in my sport," women's basketball senior Kamiah Smalls said. "Being able to put a smile on their faces and genuinely see the joy in their eyes is hands down the best part of the experience."
Â
Sophomore Deshon Parker from men's basketball described the time spent with the Special Olympic athletes as an "indiscernible feeling of joy."
Â
"There is a special bond just because of the connection with sports," Evans said. "It is a great way to bring people together and (…) it is just the glue for the day."
Â
After the Dog Walk with the JMU football team and a lunch break the Special Olympic athletes also attended the first home game of the JMU football season against Saint Francis.
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