The Fall Festival is hosted and organized by Villanova University students and is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the United States.

Fall Festival is a three-day event which hosts nearly 1,000 athletes and more than 300 coaches each year. In its 19th consecutive year at the University, the event features exciting competition in bocce, long distance running/walking, powerlifting, roller skating, soccer and volleyball.

The event requires 2,000 volunteers from the Villanova University student body, corporate organizations and the surrounding community.

Spectators are encouraged to visit any of the competition venues on or near campus and cheer on athletes at Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s second largest event of the year.

The 2008 event is scheduled for November 7 - 9. For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.villanova.edu/studentlife/specialolympics/.

"As a parent of an athlete, I see the joy, happiness and overall confidence my son receives through Special Olympics activities. One of my most heartwarming memories was during the 100 meter dash. My son finished last, but to see the support from other athletes and spectators for him to continue and complete the run was so incredible. Ryan showed no disappointment or frustration, but a sense of accomplishment and pride."

-- Mary, parent of a SOPA athlete