Feb. 7, 2005

WACO, Texas - Members of the Baylor football, soccer, women's golf and volleyball teams assisted with the Special Olympics "mini-clinic" held Saturday, Feb. 5 on the Baylor campus. About 35 Special Olympians from Waco, Killeen, Temple, Academy, Hewitt and Marlin attended the clinic.

Judy Kilpatrick, Area 12 Director for Special Olympics, explained, "The purpose of the sports clinic is to enhance each Special Olympics athlete's level of ability and self-esteem while introducing them to new sports skills along with providing fellowship among Baylor student-athletes and Special Olympians."

Despite the cool temperatures, the Baylor athletes and the Special Olympics athletes had a great time getting to know each other and playing a few games of soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball. Some were able to practice their golf swings and learn techniques from Baylor's head women's golf coach, Sylvia Ferdon.

Freshman soccer player, Laura Brock, participated in the clinic for the first time this year.

"It was a lot of fun coming out here and it was a rewarding experience getting to know other people, including the Special Olympics athletes and the Baylor athletes."

Special Olympics has been hosting the "mini-clinic" since 1998. This was the third year Baylor quarterback Shawn Bell was able to help out.

"Over the past three years I've gotten to know some of these kids really well. It is a lot of fun to teach and play with them. The clinic is something I look forward to helping with every year."

For more information, please contact Baylor Athletic Marketing at 254-710-3073, or log on to Baylor's official athletic website: www.baylorbears.com.