SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Shippensburg University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), in conjunction with the local chapter of the Special Olympics, will host the Fourth Annual Fun Meet on Thursday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. from the Donald N. Miller Pool inside Heiges Field House. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will be a meet and a fund-raiser for the Special Olympics swim team. It will consist of various swimming competitions between Special Olympians and some of Shippensburg University's student-athletes along with other individuals from around campus.

"We are excited to continue the wonderful tradition we have started here through the Special Olympics Fun Meet,” said SAAC President Anna Kinard. “A former swimmer and Ship alumnus, Evan Wentzel, currently serves as the head coach for Special Olympics Area M swimmers, so the athletes truly have strong ties to our athletics program here at Ship."

In addition to hosting the event, SAAC is also participating in its fund-raising initiative to support the Special Olympics. Each SAAC member, representing each of the 20 Shippensburg University athletic teams, is soliciting donations from individuals to create a "Chain of Love."

The student-athletes are asking for donations of $1 towards the Special Olympics, and donors will be able to sign their names on a slip of paper that will be used to create a chain around the pool during and after the event. Donations are also being collected at SU athletic events in advance of the meet.

"The athletes count down the days to this meet every year, and they have too much fun with it," Kinard said. "I expect the stands to be packed again this year, alive with the cheers of the crowd and the music of the pep band. As always the meet should be a blast, and we are all looking forward to competing with the Special Olympians again!"

The pep band, cheerleaders, mascot Big Red and campus and community members will be in attendance to cheer on all the athletes as they compete. All funds raised will go to the local Special Olympics group to help offset travel and expenses.