On Saturday, October 28th, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia (SOPA Philly) held their 2017 Volleyball Invitational at Abraham Lincoln High School. Teams from Area M, Clinton County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and of course Philadelphia came to compete, and for some as an extra competition before the state’s Fall Festival in early November.
Richard Bailey, Ceremonies Chair, kicked off the day at 9:00 am with Opening Ceremonies led by the Master of Ceremonies, Global Messanger and Athlete Representative, Raymond Anderson. Anderson also serves on SOPA Philly’s Athlete Leadership Committee. The first portion of the ceremony included all of the volleyball teams making their entrance into the auditorium. Teams in attendance included Area M County Blasters, Clinton County Hawks, Delaware County Slam, Montgomery County Blue Barracudas, Montgomery County Teal Seals, Montgomery County Hawks 1, Montgomery County Hawks 2, Montgomery County Warriors, Philadelphia Wildcats I, Philadelphia “Wildcats II, Philadelphia Flash, Philadelphia Special Stars, Philadelphia Spike Blasters.
Director of Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, Britt Kleine gave some inspiring words to the athletes and thanked everyone behind the scenes Sharon Quarles, representing the Philadelphia Special Stars, led athletes in the Athlete Oath of “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Opening Ceremonies concluded with the Flame of Hope, a symbol for Special Olympics. The Flame of Hope was carried in by Philadelphia Wildcat I athlete, Kevin Burke. To kick off competition, Bailey wished the athletes luck in their matches and opened the Games.
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