Chattanooga Chill, Special Olympics Center Stage in Phoenix

Bill Kauffman
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: bill.kauffman@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 30, 2010) – To the casual observer walking the 40 indoor volleyball courts laid out in the expansive Phoenix Convention Center, the Chattanooga Chill could look like any of the other 557 teams competing in the 81st USA Volleyball Open National Championships being held May 29 to June 5.

That is until they realize that the team was competing in the Special Olympics bracket of the tournament with four other teams.

Chattanooga Chill captured the Special Olympics bracket of the event after topping Bad Pack 25-15, 25-16 in the championship match. Earlier in the tournament, Bad Pack defeated Chattanooga Chill in pool play.

Roddy Davenport, captain of the Chattanooga Chill, has never tired of volleyball since taking up the sport as a sixth grader. All told, he has been playing for volleyball for 16 years.

“I like being an outside hitter,” Davenport said after his team won the gold medal. “We won the championship this year and it felt great.”

Along with playing in the Special Olympics division, Davenport is no different than the estimated 6,000 athletes participating in the USA Volleyball Open National Championships. He has watched other teams play during the first two days of the tournament, including the U.S. Women’s National A2 Teams that are playing in the Open Division.

“I have enjoyed watching the USA women’s teams play,” said Davenport, who has gained support from the team. While Davenport watched the U.S. teams compete during breaks in the action, the A2 players have reciprocated the gesture. During this morning’s matches, the limited seating around Court 7 watching the Special Olympic matches were occupied by A2 players, along with fans providing the athletes support.

“The matches were really interesting to watch and the athletes, with all their needs, still going out and enjoying volleyball,” said Monique Mead, a rising sophomore at Georgia Tech and member of the U.S. Women’s National A2 Team. “The players came over to watch us play, and we wanted to watch them as well. They are so inspiring in how they play the game.”

According to Michael Scott, one of the partners playing alongside with the Special Olympic players for Chattanooga Chill, this event provides the Special Olympic players with life skills that benefit them in other areas.

“Special Olympics volleyball gives these players a sense of unity and team work,” said Scott. “Myself, I get so many things out of this event, but it really is not about us. It is all about the athletes. We are just the partners playing along with the athletes. But I do get a sense of pride in what we are doing to help these Special Olympic athletes.”

Joe Sharpless, USA Volleyball’s vice president emeritus as well as the Special Olympics technical delegate emeritus, watched many of this weekend’s Special Olympic matches and says it remains important that these athletes continue to have an outlet to play through the USA Volleyball Open National Championships.

“I think it is important Special Olympics to be here as part of this major volleyball event,” Sharpless said. “Special Olympic athletes can see the best players in the country when not playing. Conversely, other players can see Special Olympic athletes compete. There is a misconception that Special Olympics athletes cannot play at a high level.”

According Sharpless, many of the Special Olympics athletes have commented positively about coming to Phoenix to play in the USA Volleyball Open National Championships as they get the chance to see other athletes play the sport and learn to be better.

“I have noticed this year, more so than other years, how the skill level has improved since Special Olympics became part of this championship in 1996,” Sharpless said.

Sharpless, who has retired in the Phoenix area, also has been impactful with Special Olympics gaining support in the State of Arizona. Through his personal ties with Special Olympics and his connections with USA Volleyball, he put Special Olympics in touch with the Arizona Volleyball Region’s commissioner Harold Cranswick two years ago. The two organizations viewed the working relationship as a win-win, and volleyball within Special Olympics in Arizona has gained newfound support and additional resources.

Tags: USA Adult Open Volleyball Championships, USA Volleyball Open National Championships