Penn State Mont Alto helps Special Olympics Golf Championship run smoothly

Mont Alto, Pa. - It was just the second time Special Olympics brought a national event to Pennsylvania, and members of the Penn State Mont Alto campus community helped make it extraordinary.

More than 300 athletes, Unified Partners, and coaches from 21 states and Canada took part in the 2025 Special Olympics North America Golf Championship at Penn National Golf Club in Fayetteville.

From Aug. 25 to 28, Special Olympics athletes took to the course, showing off their talent and love for golf. Helping them were 85 Penn State Mont Alto athletes, representing six different sports, who volunteered their time, skills and energy to make sure everything ran smoothly and everyone felt welcomed.

That meant doing everything from writing hundreds of cards of encouragement that competitors received in their gift bags, to making sure everything was organized for a tailgate and the opening ceremonies.

"Being at the Special Olympics event was truly inspiring. Seeing the athletes determination, joy and support for one another reminded me of the power of perseverance and community. It was a meaningful experience that left me motived and grateful to be part of it," Veron Talla, a third-year student and member of the men's basketball team, explained.

It wasn't just athletes getting involved; 13 students and a faculty member from the nursing program helped with the Healthy Athlete/Fit Feet screenings, which focused on the podiatric health of the athletes.

"This was a great opportunity for our department and campus community to get involved and strengthen the bond between Penn State and Special Olympics," said Staci Brennan, athletic director at Penn State Mont Alto. "The enthusiasm and excitement of the competitors and coaches throughout the entire week was truly inspiring."

According to Andrew Fee, Special Olympics Pennsylvania vice president for strategic partnerships, the Golf Championship brought an estimated $640,000 economic impact to Franklin and Adams Counties.