Athletes and volunteers shine at Special Olympics games in Kutztown

Every few minutes on the Kutztown University campus on Saturday, a woman’s voice would call attention to the stage of Andre Reed Stadium.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the announcement began via the public address system, “Please direct your attention to the awards ceremony for …”

Nearly 900 athletes and 400 coaches gathered for Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s 2025 Eastern Spring Sectional that took place on the university’s athletic facilities.

Over the course of a single, action-packed day, athletes competed in swimming, track & field, basketball, and tennis—vying for a chance to move on to the Summer Games at Penn State in June.

But beyond the competition, something deeper pulsed through the courts, pools, and fields: community, perseverance, and joy.

For John Suhadolnik of Quakertown, Bucks County, coaching is personal. His son, who has Down syndrome, began participating in Special Olympics at age 8.

“He started with bowling, and now he’s done a little bit of everything,” said Suhadolnik between basketball games on one of several courts in O’Pake Field House. “With basketball, this is our third tournament of the season—but this one is the real deal.”

Suhadolnik has been coaching for over two decades, mostly in bowling, but he now helps lead one of Quakertown’s two basketball teams.

“These events are official, and you really see the talent come through,” he said. “Some of these athletes at the higher levels are incredibly skilled.”

For his son, the biggest draw isn’t just the medals—it’s the social part.

“He loves being with the other athletes,” Suhadolnik said. “That’s what keeps him coming back.”

Nicole Wright of Conshohocken, Montgomery County, echoes that sentiment.

A longtime coach whose own son is an athlete, she marvels at the progression she’s witnessed.

“He started when he was 8, afraid to talk to anyone,” Wright recalled. “Now he’s part of a team, texting his teammates before tournaments to encourage them. This has become a family.”

Wright works with athletes of all levels, from those still learning to lift the ball over their heads to players confidently sinking three-pointers.

“We practice at least twice a week, and they really work at it,” she said. “They know who’s going to do what on the court.”

This year’s event at Kutztown was the largest spring sectional in the region. Volunteers, coaches, and spectators cheered from the sidelines as athletes poured their hearts into competition.

The day began with an opening ceremony at the stadium and continued with Olympic Village festivities, multiple competition venues, and heartfelt award presentations.

While the scores and victories matter, the stories shared by Suhadolnik and Wright make one thing clear: the joy of victory is shared by all.

“We had this one kid who couldn’t shoot,” Wright said. “And one day he made a shot. I never cried so hard in my entire life. He couldn’t believe he made a shot. His parents were like, ‘We never thought he would make a shot.’

“As volunteers, it’s great to see.”

Source: Berkshire mont