RADNOR >> “I was told when I volunteered for the Fall Festival that it is the best weekend of the year at Villanova,” said Mike Maffuid, a freshman at Villanova University. “That’s a high bar to set. But it was met. It’s amazing.”
Anyone you could talk to, from coaches to athletes, to volunteers to alumni who came back just to be a part of this three-day weekend, feel it is an amazing experience for all, and one that will change people.
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival is in its 28th year. Athletes travel from all over the state to take part in the competitions as students from Villanova volunteer to help with the events. Jessica Ritchie, a senior, headed up the committee of volunteers who were there to direct, cheer and help the athletes in any way they could.
Athletes had a chance to compete in soccer, volleyball, bocce, roller skating, long distance running and powerlifting. There was a Victory Dance, Healthy Athlete clinician screenings, and an Olympic Town.
For Sam Fioravanti, a coach for the Philly Strykers soccer team, it was his first time at the Fall Festival and first year coaching. His son, Sam is on the team. The team took home the gold championship for soccer.
“It’s great to see the teamwork and participation,” Fioravanti said. “The athletes really enjoy themselves. This environment is great. You see all the effort it takes to put this all together. For my son and the team it’s great to see the achievement.”
The Strykers coach, Ryan Milanak went to Villanova and graduated in 2015. He has been involved in Special Olympics since 2011 and he comes back every year. His parents, Judy and Jeff, come from New Jersey each day to volunteer. They started when he and his brother began college.
“When you see kids stepping up, it’s amazing,” Judy Milanak said. “Parents come up to me and tell me how much my son has done for the athletes on the soccer team. The students here are amazing. When you see the opening ceremony and the students here, it makes you realize as crazy as it can be in the world, there is hope.”
“The best thing about the Fall Festival is that the community on campus comes together for Special Olympics,” Ryan Milanak said. “The best thing about coaching is seeing the energy; there is so much love for this. Every one of the players contributed to the game. They showed up every morning and took every opportunity in the game to win the gold medal. Everybody played with heart.”
“We did it for him. We had good kicks and a good goalie,” said Matthew Beckman, captain of the Strykers. “This is one of the best days. We are great champs. We are gold medal winners.”
Thomas Rodriguez and Sarah Backenstoe graduated in 2016. Both were on the Fall Festival Committee while at Villanova and decided to come back and volunteer. The two announced the medals, posed with the athletes and danced along with other students.
At closing ceremonies, basketball coach Jay Wright addressed the students and athletes before the Olympic Torch was extinguished.
“Nothing compares to what you bring to this campus. Thank you. You inspire our Villanova Basketball team but always you inspire our Villanova nation,” Wright said.
Athlete Beth Armitage of Monroe County walked out with the torch along with Radnor police officers, Tom Matijasich and Stephen Ryan. As the students cheered, Armitage bowed to the crowd brimming with pride.
“This is so unbelievable. It’s incredible,” said Freshman Mia LaTran of Radnor. “I just can’t believe it’s over. This weekend went so fast.”
