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Cross Country Partners with SOVA

The girls cross country team embodies the spirit of the Trinity athletics program through annual partnership with SOVA.
It can be found embolded on the Trinity Athletics webpage: "the character-building qualities of our athletic program create better athletes, better students and better people." Michele Stevens couldn’t agree more as a Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) parent and volunteer. “You truly stand behind this message, and as a parent and volunteer Special Olympics coach, I am so grateful.”

On August 25, 2018 the girls cross country team, along with support from many other Titans, ran with and cheered on the SOVA Miller team in their one-mile race around the Trinity track at Aycock Stadium. This is the ninth year for the event which includes two months of regular practices at Trinity with the girls cross country team.

A parent of one of the athletes commented, “This was our ninth year of training and competing in the mile race - and we could not have done it without [Trinity athletes’] support, kindness, and compassion.”

Anna Kelley ’19 has organized the partnership between the SOVA Miller team and Trinity for the last two years. The role came naturally to Kelley –– her mom and Trinity science teacher, Elizabeth Kelley, has been coordinating this event for many years, and both Kelleys have participated in the practices and race for the last eight years.

“This year, more students from the Trinity community were able to join us [than in previous years] and help cheer on the athletes. Students from the cross country teams, the girls field hockey team and students from school all showed up wearing Trinity spirit wear and smiles on their faces,” Anna Kelley said.

Parents of the athletes commented that the enthusiasm of Trinity participants and spectators warmed their hearts. "The cheering squad was amazing and had a palpable effect on the athletes," said one mom.

Anna’s favorite part of the program is the relationships that are made between athletes and students. “By encouraging athletes and helping them achieve their goals, this SOVA program helps the athletes feel in control of what they are able to accomplish,” Anna said.

Anna also appreciated the opportunity to develop her leadership skills and to create positive change in her community through organizing this partnership.

Although she’ll be graduating in May, Anna plans to attend all of the practice sessions at Trinity next year. She also plans on volunteering with SOVA, or similar programs, at her future alma mater.
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