The Special Olympics Regional Athletics Meet returned to Point Loma Nazarene University's campus for the 23rd consecutive year to celebrate the joy of sport for all athletes. 

Sponsored by Point Loma's Department Family & Consumer Sciences, the School of Education, and the PLNU Athletics Department, nearly 300 PLNU students, faculty, and staff and countless community members from across San Diego joined together April 23 to serve 250 athletes and their families.

The event also received community support. 

“[Gold-medal sponsor Geico Insurance's] support wasn’t limited to a monetary donation," said Susan Rogers, event director. "Geico employees joined with PLNU volunteers to serve athletes and their families to make this event memorable for each individual.”  

A regular presence at the annual event, police officers from the cities of Coronado and San Diego were on hand to encourage and congratulate each athlete. The Chula Vista Kiwanis Club provided a barbecue lunch and San Diego County Parks and Recreation were also on hand to support the event.

"Personally for me, one of the best Athletics Meets ever, once again our students are the key,” said Jim Johnson, longtime event organizer and Special Olympics supporter. “Comments about their love and genuineness reflect why this event is indeed a premier banner for what PLNU represents to the community and who are students really are as servant leaders.”

This year’s event was especially significant to the university community as it was dedicated to the life and memory of Beryl Pagan, who passed away on April 18. She was an instructional services librarian at PLNU, her alma mater, and was an advocate for persons with disabilities.  

“It was a glorious day,” Rogers said. “Moreover, we were able to honor our dear friend, Beryl Pagan. She was honored in the opening ceremony with a tribute and bowls of candy in her memory.” 

The Athletics Meet was another testament to PLNU’s commitment to the mission and vision of the Special Olympics. In addition to the annual track meet, last summer PLNU joined with 100 other communities across Southern California as a part of the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program. In advance of the Opening Ceremonies in July 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries were welcomed to Southern California. The San Diego Point Loma Host Town welcomed athletes from Albania, Burkina Faso, and Finland for three days to prepare for the games.

--Point Loma Nazarene University