Division volleyball begins at Special Olympics Summer Games
Sandy Hodges remembers watching the Special Olympics Summer Games when she was a student at Central Michigan University.
A 1978 alumna, Hodges said the games were smaller when they first started and were held at Finch Fieldhouse.
Today, dozens of volleyball teams packed into the Student Activity Center for the division volleyball tournament of the 2015 Summer Games. Hodges, who went into special education, said she used to attend the games and cheer the athletes on. Hodges can still be found on the bleachers, encouraging the athletes as they move through the brackets.
"These kids work hard," she said. "They practice hard. They're a really good group."
Hodges was referring to a team from Flint who plays alongside Team USA, which will attend the Special Olympics World Games in July. Michigan is sending 17 athletes and coaches to the games in Los Angeles. The volleyball team will compete with others from more than 170 countries.
"They were so excited to play today," Hodges said. "They've really been looking forward to it."
Coach David Caldwell said his team, the Huron Valley Mavericks, was also excited to compete in division volleyball for its second time at the Summer Games.
"It's always the biggest game of the year," he said. "I focus on teaching them a little bit every season so they can improve. I also want them to have fun; that's important."
Division volleyball continues at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. The awards ceremony will take place as the divisions are completed.
