Bob Jones University, in partnership with Special Olympics Greenville and Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, will host the annual Washington Center Challenge Day Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Davis Field House on the BJU campus.
“Our students look forward to Washington Center Challenge Day each year because it allows them to put their learning into practice while sharing joy and encouragement with the athletes,” said Dr. Brian Carruthers, dean of the School of Education & Human Services. “It has become one of BJU’s most cherished opportunities to serve and grow alongside our community. Our students enjoy helping the athletes make memories as they complete their activities and have fun in the carnival area. We look forward to partnering with all the community organizations involved in making this day special for the Washington Center students.”
The Special Olympics event marks the culmination of the eight-week Motor Activities Training Program (MATP). Nearly 100 athletes from Washington Center School will demonstrate physical activities they have learned and practiced throughout the program.
The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will be preceded by a parade of Washington Center students into the Davis Field House at approximately 9:30 a.m. Students will be accompanied by their teachers and BJU student volunteers. The Bob Jones Academy high school band, directed by Alex Wright, will provide music for the festivities. Aaron Baker, WYFF 4 anchor, will serve as emcee, and BJU President Bruce McAllister will welcome attendees and open the event in prayer.
The event will also feature Olympic Town, a carnival area with games and prizes, as well as a music tent and face-painting tent staffed by University students.
More than 200 BJU students from the School of Education & Human Services and the communication disorders, music, music education, kinesiology, and sport management programs will assist Washington Center students throughout the event.
