Bethany College Offers Inclusion to Campus by Hosting Events with Special Olympics Athletes

Feature Story written by Drew VonScio 

Allison Paxton came into the fall semester of her sophomore year in August 2019 almost two and a half years ago serving as the vice president for Bethany's Student Activities Council. Despite being very strong in the classroom and being committed to the women's soccer team that fall, Paxton was focused on providing an event on campus for athletes with special needs to take part in. This event, which was thought to be a one-time event when it took place on September 8, 2019, has transformed itself into a yearly event that brings the Bethany campus community together.

 As a result of Paxton's work to lay the foundation for the Special Olympics, Bethany College was able to host the event again this past fall to continue to demonstrate to the world that disabilities do not define an athlete while the drive to be the best they can be is truly what matters. Having an event on campus has led to a variety of opportunities to grow the project here at Bethany, including becoming part of the NCAA's Unified Athletes program. Bethany became the first school in the state of West Virginia to partner with the Special Olympics.

 "I was approached in November by an individual at the Special Olympics' national office about being a part of the series," said Paxton. "Decade of Inclusion celebrates the decade-long partnership between NCAA Division III and the Special Olympics organization. "The Special Olympics committee was eager to highlight us in the series. It was an amazing honor to be able to represent Bethany in the interview."

Not only has this event become a yearly tradition at Bethany (except for Fall 2020 due to the pandemic), the number of students who are willing to help out in any way has increased from 2019 to now. Athletic teams as a whole here at Bethany are taking part and stepping up to help those in the local area. For Paxton, this love and support from the Bethany community has been astounding and changed her life completely.

 "Being involved has changed my life in so many ways," added Paxton. "I've met so many amazing people, and they truly have become family. I even had an athlete come to my comprehensive exams, and it was so special, Building those relationships have been one of my greatest blessings and have taught me a lot about myself."

 While Paxton is set to graduate from Bethany in May, her involvement in the Special Olympics will continue on wherever life takes her. As for Bethany specifically, she described it as being in a "limited capacity" as the program will continue to be in great hands with current sophomore Madison McDonald. Her connections with the athletes she has interacted with already will continue along with expanding as she partakes in future events across the United States or even abroad. As her mark on the Special Olympics is just beginning, Paxton leaves with a message to the athletes:

 "Never lose sight of why you started playing your sport. Athletes can often fall into the trap of getting burnt out and lose their passion. Sports should be fun, and it's okay to change" added Paxton.