By Julia Wagner 

We’re still reeling from this weekend–the best weekend of the year–Fall Fest! This weekend over 1,000 athletes traveled from all over Pennsylvania to compete in the largest student-run Special Olympics (SpO) event in the world, right here at Villanova University. Powerlifting in the Villanova Room, dancing in O-Town in the quad, and flag football on Sheehan Beach were just a couple of the various spots where dreams came true for countless individuals. The theme of the weekend encouraged athletes, parents, and volunteers to “dream on” because “together as a team our dreams are closer than they seem.”

I had the pleasure of being a Volunteer Coordinator for Healthy Athletes where I helped run tables with activities to promote healthy habits like gratitude, sleep, self-love, and snacks. The connections and memories that I made with athletes at Powerlifting and around the Oreo are ones I will cherish forever. I’m sad that the weekend is over, but I am so lucky to have experienced something so special. I look forward to doing it all again next year! I encourage anyone who is thinking about getting involved in Special Olympics to do so (more info here)! Getting involved is truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the love and laughter I experienced this weekend. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped make dreams come true. SpO much love!

All photos courtesy of Julia Wagner.

Julia Wagner ’26 CLAS is an Economics major from New Hampshire (Go Patriots!). She works as a Communication & Marketing Student Assistant at Falvey Library.