By Ashley McManus Special to UNHAthletics.com
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The 50th Special Olympics New Hampshire Summer Games are being held at UNH on June 7-8. University of New Hampshire student-athletes have always supported the Special Olympics and volunteer at events throughout the year to support the Special Olympic Athletes which includes the Special Spirit Basketball Game held each year at Lundholm Gymnasium. The roar of the crowd at the basketball game just demonstrates the passion for and the special bond the UNH student-athletes have with Special Olympic athletes.
Another important event that UNH student-athletes supported this year was the Miss Amazing Pageant which occurred on April 7, at Oyster River High School in Durham. The Pageant's motto is to "Provide opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment." The event is a beauty style competition that lets girls and women with disabilities and impairments show off their skills.
Each participant has a male right hand man who escorts them throughout the night. The girls and women came onto the stage, introduced themselves to the crowd, performed their individual talent and showed off their favorite ball gown in front of audience members, volunteers, family and friends, and the judges. Miss Amazing also ties together with the Special Olympics, as the event raised money for it to continue to make sports equal for all.
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Dylan McLaughlin and Michaella
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UNH track and field senior Jack Crawford (Mansfield, Mass.), who is the Co-Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, knew the importance of the event and how himself and others volunteering could brighten up so many young girls' days as he supported them through the process.
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"This event meant a lot to me as I was a part of an eight-year old's performance on stage and was a support system for her when she was getting nervous. This event allowed the special performers the ability to grow their confidence and also perform in front of a large, encouraging audience!"
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Jack Crawford and Charlotte
After hearing about the event from Jean Mitchell, Crawford struck into action and recruited male athletes to help in the cause.
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"I knew Miss Amazing was something I wanted to be a part of right when I heard about it. It then was my duty to recruit other male athletes to join me in the cause. Everyone was very willing and we even got more volunteers than the event needed!"
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The other student-athlete volunteers were Aidan Sullivan (Nashua, N.H.), Dylan McLaughlin (Moultonborough, N.H.), James O'Brien (Hackettstown, N.J.) and Thomas Chant (North Conway, N.H.) of track and field; Chris Pinkham (Concord, N.H.) of track and field and men's soccer; and Benton Maass (Elk river, Minn.) and Angus Crookshank (North Vancouver, British Columbia) of men's hockey.
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Crookshank had the honor of being the right hand man for Kaitlyn, who was eventually crowned the Miss Amazing New Hampshire 2019 Queen.
"It was an amazing experience to go and be a part of the Miss Amazing event. The women are so talented and it was absolute pleasure to be a part of. I wish the best of luck to the all the women who moved onto the finals."
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Angus Crookshank and Kaitlyn
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The finals will take place August 2-4, 2019, for the fourth year in a row at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. The crowned queens from each state attend a gala, showcases for their talents and a closing ceremony.
Miss Amazing does so much for girls and women with disabilities to provide them opportunities and propel their self-esteem, be themselves and gain more confidence. The UNH student-athletes were honored to be a part of an event that does so much and gives back to others.
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Chris Pinkham, Aidan Sullivan, Dylan McLaughlin and Jack Crawford
To learn more about Wildcats in the Community, go to the Wildcats in the Community page presented by Kennebunk Savings.
