Approximately 175 Special Olympians returned to Niagara University’s Kiernan Recreation Center to compete in the Special Olympics New York’s Western Regional Basketball Tournament on Saturday, April 22. The tournament had not been hosted by the university in the previous three years due to COVID and renovations to the Kiernan Center.
The Special Olympics event is a culminating experience for students who take the Special Olympics: Coaching and Games Management course (EDU 333/HRT 333) at Niagara University. The course is taught by Dr. Dennis Garland, associate professor of education. Sections of the course are presented by the College of Education and others by the College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management.
“We have anticipated the return of the Special Olympics New York Western Region Basketball Tournament to the Kiernan Recreation Center since 2019,” said Dr. Garland. “Our students, the university community, and our regional partners prepared all semester. The athletes who competed today are the heart of our partnerships in the region and are the truest model of sportsmanship. We were thrilled to celebrate the day with them and their families.”
