ARLINGTON, Va. -- The National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) announced the recipients of the NADIIIAA Community Service Awards last week, highlighting Marymount as a third-place finisher in the Special Olympics Activity category for their efforts hosting the Virginia Area 26 Special Olympics basketball tournament. 

The event is coordinated by the men's and women's basketball programs and supported by Marymount Athletics as a whole. 
The NADIIIAA describes the award as, "intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities. Recognition is given for projects in three categories: One-Time Activity/Project, Special Olympics Activity, and Community Partnerships. In addition to presenting commemorative awards to the three winning institutions, NADIIIAA will make up to a $1,000 contribution to the general scholarship fund at each of these institutions."

In 2024, Marymount hosted the tournament for the 28th year, having eight Special Olympic teams from Arlington and Fairfax counties competing inside of the Lee Center. 

Multiple Marymount Athletics programs attend the event each year in order to collaborate on hosting responsibilities, as well as cheer on the athletes during competition. 

Men's basketball Head Coach, Chris Rogers, who is also a co-director of the Special Olympics at Marymount, has helped lead the charge over the last 12 years.

"It has been an honor for me to coordinate the event and help Marymount host the Special Olympians, their families and our local community," Coach Rogers said in a story posted by Marymount University Marketing and Communications. "It is a reminder of what is so great about sports. Competition and camaraderie are the best parts of being on a team. Being part of something bigger than yourself is one of the most important experiences our student-athletes can have."

Marymount continues the tradition of the event during this upcoming Spring, with the tournament slated for March 30th inside of the Lee Center.

You can find a release highlighting 2024's tournament from Marymount Marketing and Communications here.