SLIPPERY ROCK — About 200 Slippery Rock University volunteers hosted more than 400 Western Pennsylvania Special Olympics athletes Sunday in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Western Fall Sectional.

“We've had this here for probably close to 25 years,” said Karen Perry, director of campus recreation.

Perry herself has helped host Special Olympics at SRU for the last 20 years.

While there weren't as many volunteers this year as in past years — SRU typically pulls in upward of 300 volunteers — around 250 participated in the opening ceremonies.

“Almost all of them are students,” Perry said. “It's a good community builder.”

SRU senior Savannah Sedlack is majoring in recreational therapy. She's been an SRU Special Olympics volunteer for the last four years.

“I love it,” Sedlack said. “It's something to look forward to.”

“It's a great event,” said Jessica Hall-Wirth, assistant professor of special education. “It's huge.”

As a special-education teacher, Hall-Wirth believes Special Olympics raises awareness for disabled needs. She said it also works toward public understanding.

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“(At) an event like this, you definitely see inclusion,” Hall-Wirth said.

Rick and Linda McKee of Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County spent Sunday watching soccer games at McFarland Recreational Sports Complex. Their adopted son, Anthony, was competing with the Pathfinder Piranhas.

Anthony is 34 and has left-side paralysis stemming from a brain injury. Special Olympics, according to his parents, gives him new opportunities.

“It's not age-defined,” Rick said of the Special Olympic Games.

Anthony's team has players who are young and players who are old. Many have been involved with Special Olympics for several years. Anthony's been participating since he was 10.

“I like basketball, mainly,” Anthony said.

Anthony is a tri-sport athlete who has competed in golf, soccer and basketball. Rick coached some of Anthony's teams while he was growing up. Sports, according to Linda, are a way for the McKees to connect with other special needs families.

“The families network a little,” Linda said.

Specifically, they share information about new government programs, local services and opportunities for their children.

Families also get to know each other over the years.

“We know the kids' personalities,” Linda said. “Some of these kids are hysterical.”

Make no mistake, Special Olympics is a competition. Athletes vie for medals. Certified referees call competitions. There are state, national and world games.

But for the McKees — and other families — it's mostly a chance to make life-long friends.

“I'm competitive,” Rick said. “But we really don't care who wins.”

“It's a different perspective on life,” Linda said. “It just makes us smile.”

When he isn't practicing with his soccer team — which he does every Monday during the season — or working at ManorCare Nursing Home in food service, Anthony likes being around people.

“Either hanging out with friends or hanging out with family,” he said.

Anthony is considering moving out, according to Linda. The McKees are looking into different support services that might help Anthony with a transition.

Support also comes from people.

“Kudos have to go to the college,” Rick said.

Rick liked that the SRU football team participated in opening ceremonies Sunday. He said the players carried in banners representing each county. The athletes from each county walked behind their banner and high-fived volunteers before getting ready to compete.

Everyone's got a favorite part of the event.

Perry likes watching the interaction between students and athletes.

Hall-Wirth likes seeing athletes feel accomplished.

Sedlack likes the energy of the event.

Linda and Rick like watching their son play.

And Anthony's favorite part?

“Just being able to play against other players,” Anthony said.

He has one thing to say to anyone considering Special Olympics who aren't sure whether to get involved.

“Definitely do it,” Anthony said. “It's a lot of fun. And you ... get to meet a lot of people.”