Whittier College sponsors South East Los Angeles Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

Photos by: Monica Gerardo

WHITTIER, Calif. – The Whittier College Athletic Department sponsored this past weekend the South East Los Angeles Special Olympics Basketball Tournament along with Whittier Lions Club and Special Olympics of Southern California.

This was the first annual South East Los Angeles Special Olympics Basketball Tournament and it was an event that consisted of an eight team tournament with over 50 volunteers from all 21 intercollegiate athletic programs at Whittier College who helped with event management, team escorts, and score keeping.

Monica Gerardo, head women's soccer coach and SAAC Advisor oversaw the event along with SAAC President Jennifer Rivas-Guillen who were instrumental in the event's success getting volunteers and making it a great day for the greater Los Angeles area.     

These volunteers included SAAC Representatives who made sure the “delegates” had an experience to remember for a lifetime including high 5’s, roars from the crowd, support, and hugs from those in attendance.

Johnny Poet was in attendance for the event along with other faculty and staff members making sure it was an event that would be remembered by everyone involved.