Special Olympics - The Impact on DeSales University

The Meaning Behind the Special Olympics
Special Olympics, an international nonprofit organization, was founded in 1968 by John F. Kennedy’s sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She believed that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were often misunderstood and overlooked in society, which made her want to give these athletes a chance to show their utmost capabilities. Today, this organization spans more than 190 countries and includes over 5 million athletes who train every day around the world for the gold. While this event takes place globally, it is also commonly held at DeSales University, sometimes every year, allowing students to volunteer for a great cause. I had the absolute honor to interview Father Jim Greenfield, President of DeSales University, and Dr. Sue McGorry, a professor who teaches Marketing Research and Analytics, about why they fully commit their time to this organization and why they bring it to our campus each year.

What Made You Want to Get Involved?
While speaking with both Father Greenfield and Dr. McGorry, their reasons for getting involved with this organization were very different. Dr. McGorry shared that she actually became involved through her daughter, Shannon, who was born with special needs. "I knew this was so important to the growth of my students from both a business skill perspective, but also a personal growth perspective." She spoke about how she incorporates her Marketing Research and Analytics course into the event to encourage students to volunteer and see the impact this experience has on our community and campus.

Father Jim Greenfield shaking hands with a Special Olympics athlete.

Father Jim has been connected to the Shriver family for many years. While working in Washington, D.C., he developed connections with the family, including their son Mark. When he came to DeSales in 2018, he hosted the first Special Olympics event on campus in 2019 and has since watched it grow into something beautiful. Father Greenfield said he is inspired by the core values of DeSales University, and when asked what motivates his dedication to this event, he shared that these values "are on full display, where we are celebrating athletes with IDD, but celebrating them in our Salesian way and rolling out the red carpet to them in our beautiful campus."

Memorable Experiences – What Do You Take Away from This Event?
Whether it is your first time volunteering or attending a Special Olympics sectional, the most memorable experiences, according to Dr. McGorry, include the celebration of athletes and their families. She shared that as students and as a community, we “support them in various ways throughout the event, and witness the unique abilities of each athlete, as well as those of my own students." Dr. McGorry also emphasizes how meaningful it is to watch her students embody these moments and says many bring "the incredible resilience and spirit to this entire experience."

For Father Jim, one of his most memorable experiences is showing off his white tab in his Roman collar. Many tell him, "It is their first time having the opportunity to interact with a priest" at the event. He says he receives a lot of attention for being there to support and speak with families and everyone involved.

Final Thoughts
After speaking with these two wonderful individuals about how the Special Olympics truly impacts them personally, as well as how it reflects the core values of our campus, I felt a deep sense of inspiration for what these athletes experience. They walk into a place filled with support and guidance from the entire community. When both were asked what their message was to others involved with the athletes and families, Father Greenfield stated, "The athletes truly help us flesh out what it truly means to be who you are and be that well." As for Dr. McGorry, she said, "Find joy in every day and embrace unique abilities!" as a reminder to all the families and athletes who take part in this event and continue to show up for their sport and community.

Written by: Briahna Milander 

Interviewees: Father Jim Greenfield (President of DeSales University) & Dr. Sue McGorry (Professor of DSU)