While sports are at the core of what we do, our ultimate goal is to use stories of athletes’ achievements, skills and challenges to educate, engage and ultimately change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities.  As Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) prepares to celebrate its 40^th Anniversary as an official Special Olympics chapter in May of 2010, we are pleased to share the story of Jeff Kersavage.  Jeff is an athlete who has witnessed 39 out of 40-years of Summer Games as well as SOPA’s growth from a modest program serving local Pennsylvania athletes, to a movement promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity.

Jeff Kersavage Remembers 39 Years of Summer Games 

As we gear up for SOPA’s 40^th Anniversary as a chapter, we reflect upon the fact that 2009 marked the 40th Anniversary of Summer Games.  For many SOPA athletes, Summer Games is the most anticipated event of the year, welcoming nearly 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches to Penn State University in State College for three days of intense competition in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis.   The level of anticipation felt each year by Jeff Kersavage, an athlete from the Centre County Program, is no exception.  He has participated in every Summer Games event since 1970 as an athlete and once as a volunteer.  When asked why attending the games were so important, Jeff replied, “The competition, making new friends, meeting Penn State athletes, and the coaches are great.”

Jeff also commented on how the Games have grown over the course of his  39-year involvement to focus not only on competition but also on camaraderie.  “I very much enjoy the Olympic Village which has become bigger in the recent years.  Also, Sports Fest is high on the list as it is a chance for me to mingle with athletes from all over the state.  Penn State football players come out to the Sports Fest as well, and one year I even met Miss Pennsylvania which was a big thrill.”

Summer Games continues to rank high in Jeff’s most memorable experiences from his early interactions with Joe Paterno, head coach of Penn State University's football team; to lighting the torch in 1988 to officially open the Games; to his recent befriending of Penn State Wide Receiver AJ Price and All American Linebacker Sean Lee.  However, his participation in the development of a mural by renowned artist Michael Pilato that currently adorns a student bookstore in downtown State College, PA is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.  Jeff was chosen to represent all Special Olympics athletes in the mural that stands two stories high, and spans almost 100 feet.  Entitled Inspiration, the mural painted in 1999 and 2000 depicts over 300 inspirational people from the local community.

Although Summer Games is the highlight of each year for many, every race, every game and every competition represents many weeks of training and preparation by each athlete during the course of the year – training and preparation made possible by the selfless dedication of their coaches and other volunteers.  Since beginning with Special Olympics at the age of 10, Jeff has competed in a total of 8 sports including skiing, skating, bowling, track and field, aquatics, tennis, basketball and weightlifting.  Having participated in various sports, Jeff credits his coaches for helping to transform his life.  “I have learned a lot from the coaches and officials and have learned discipline,” said Jeff.  “I have met a lot of people and made friends that I would not have without SOPA.  It has made me feel good about myself.”

The skills that Jeff learned under the guidance of his coaches, Mike Wolfe (Tennis), Kim Gasper (Athletics), Rob Masters (Athletics), and TJ Mayo, Manager for the Centre County Program, have not only assisted Jeff on the playing field but also within the world of work.  “Currently, I work at a Giant Food Store in State College,” said Jeff.  “I am always on time, friendly and helpful, which are all things I’ve learned from participating and training with SOPA.”

Jeff is now 48 years old and has acquired a total of 179 medals throughout the years (77 Gold, 61 Silver, and 38 Bronze), which include three Bronze medals from the 1975 International Games in Michigan at Central Michigan University.  Today one of his favorite sports is track and field, especially mini turbo javelin from which he won a Gold medal during Summer Games ’09.

So if you are ever in the State College area for the 2010 Summer Games event, take Jeff’s word for it, “It is enjoyable and gets better every single year!”

As SOPA nears its 40^th Anniversary, we would like to hear from other athletes who may have been involved with the organization for 35 years or more.  Please contact Nicole L. Jones at 610-630-9450, ext. 231 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your story!