NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware soccer teams, along with Keith Handling and the student trainers will help conduct the Special Olympics Soccer Skills Competition for New Castle County for the 30th consecutive year on Thurs., Oct. 16 at Rullo Stadium. Three events will be held in three different counties: Sussex, Kent and New Castle.

Weeks of training culminate as 700 Special Olympics athletes from local schools come together to compete in basic and advanced soccer skills events including: dribbling, passing and shooting. In addition, the athletes ages seven and below will participate in a Motor Activity Program.

In an interview before being honored at halftime of the Albany football game for his 36 years of service in the UD Athletic Training Program, Handling said he appreciates that the University allows him to reach out to the community in this way.

“I am proud of my involvement with the Delaware Special Olympics program over the past 35 years and the committment that the athletic department and the entire University community has shown to Delaware Special Olympics,” Handling said.

Men’s Soccer Head Coach Ian Hennessy (at right) is in his third year at UD, and has been involved with the Special Olympics in as many years.

“I can only say that the athletes and administrators are a joy to work with, and we plan to be part of their future for many years to come,” Hennessy said.

Sussex County Event: Tues., Oct. 14; 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Ennis School, Georgetown
Kent County Event: Wed., Oct. 15; 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Charlton School, Camden-Wyoming
New Castle Event: Thurs., Oct. 16; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Rullo Stadium, University of Delaware