DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University Athletics hosted a Special Olympics play day on Saturday. Approximately 35 area Special Olympians spent the afternoon playing various sports and different stations with nearly 150 Averett student-athletes at the Grant Center.

Activities Special Olympians participated in included basketball, volleyball, tossing baseballs and hitting off a tee, as well as kicking soccer balls and volleying with tennis rackets. 

The play day is one of several events Averett Athletics holds in conjunction with Special Olympics each year. It is all part of NCAA Division III's partnership with Special Olympics. According to the NCAA, "the purpose of the partnership is to enhance the lives of Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes through a mutual learning experience; provide a platform for recognition of Special Olympics athletes and Division III student-athletes within their communities; and raise awareness of Special Olympics, its programs and services."