edited by Nikola Tzenov
More than 200 students from McDaniel College and Carroll County Public Schools will come together April 8 for the 35th annual Tournament of Champions, a long-running event designed to provide inclusive athletic experiences for children with special needs.
The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Gill Center on McDaniel’s campus, pairs over 100 McDaniel students — many of them student-athletes — with more than 100 elementary, middle and high school students from across Carroll County.
The day begins with an opening ceremony and parade of student-athletes at 10 a.m., followed by a series of modified athletic activities running from 10:15 a.m. to noon. Participants can take part in events such as parachute play, beach ball volleyball and bowling, all adapted to meet individual abilities. Each student earns stickers for completed activities and receives a medal and certificate during a closing awards ceremony.
Organizers say the program is designed to give students with disabilities an opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and engage in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
The Tournament of Champions is coordinated by students in the college’s adapted physical education class in partnership with Carroll County Public Schools and is held annually as part of the NCAA Division III week celebration.
A planning committee of McDaniel students, led by kinesiology lecturer Linda Kephart, works alongside school system staff to organize the event. Representatives from the Maryland State Police and Westminster Police Department are also expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Schools from across Carroll County, including East Middle School, Manchester Elementary School and Westminster Elementary School, are among those scheduled to participate.
