University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Soccer Partners With Buncombe County Special Olympics to Host Unified Soccer Clinic
04.08.2017 | Women's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - UNC Asheville women's soccer head coach Michelle Demko, her staff and the UNC Asheville women's soccer team believe in giving back to the community.
Never was that more evident than on Saturday, April 8, as the Bulldogs partnered with the Buncombe County Special Olympics athletes and SO College members to host the third annual Unified Soccer Clinic at Greenwood Soccer Field.
"One of the reasons I think it is very important to work with the Special Olympics is that they really epitomize what it means to be an athlete," Demko said. "They have true respect for the game and honor their teammates with hard work. It brings a graceful aspect to the game."
Athletes from all ages came out to participate in the event. The UNC Asheville coaching staff and players ran drills with the athletes, scrimmaged with them and even had a pizza party after they were finished with the on-field activities.Â
Sophomore midfielder Bella Iorio really embraced and appreciated the opportunity.
"I was able to participate in this last year and it was a great experience," Iorio said. "I really enjoyed it again this year. The kids are awesome and love to play soccer. It is a great time to show them our love for soccer and be able to share the game with them."
Demko could not agree more.Â
"I think to put our players in this environment where they can witness that kind of commitment, compassion and desire for sport and to see up close and personal how humbling it is can go a very long way," Demko stated. "I think sometimes in college athletics we get wrapped up in winning and if you take that aspect off of the table, to me, watching the Special Olympic athletes compete, that is what we want to try and mirror every day. In terms of our players showing up on a consistent basis and exhibit this type of attitude is really what 'The Pursuit' is all about."
To learn more about Buncombe County Special Olympics, please visit here.Â
