On March 19, Ashland University's College of Business & Economics (COBE), in collaboration with AU Rec & Wellness and Special Olympics Ohio (SOOH), hosted the third annual SOOH Unified Skills Day: Soccer at the Niss Athletic Center.

The event brought together more than 100 Special Olympics athletes from eight local schools: Waynedale Local Schools, Amherst Junior High School, Norwayne Middle and High Schools, New London Local Schools, North Olmsted High School, Berkshire Local Schools, and Crestview Local Schools. Athletes spent the day working alongside nearly 100 Ashland University students and staff, including members of the AU men's and women's soccer teams.

The event was designed to create a supportive and engaging space where students of all abilities could develop soccer skills and enjoy team-based activities. It also gave AU student volunteers the chance to step into leadership roles, as they took the lead in planning and running the day with guidance from faculty and staff mentors.

Participants rotated through a variety of soccer-focused stations, including cone dribbling, relay races, throw-ins, passing, juggling, and more. Tuffy, AU's mascot, made a special appearance to welcome athletes and join them for photos.

This marks the third year of this growing partnership between Ashland University and Special Olympics Ohio. Previous years have featured basketball and track & field skills events, with preparations already underway for next year's program.

Ashland University COBE encourages students and staff to continue supporting this meaningful tradition.