General | 1/25/2012 2:27:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist University hosted the 2012 Cumberland County Basketball Special Olympics on Wednesday with a number of area students competing in the events.

Methodist has had the opportunity to host a number of Special Olympics events over the years and fit right into the mission of NCAA Division III and their new partnership with the games. Announced last spring, "The purpose of the partnership is to improve the lives of Special Olympics athletes through their involvement with Division III student-athletes and to foster a mutual learning experience between Division III student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes" (NCAA.org).

A number of student-athletes volunteered during the day to assist with the events and cheer on the competitors. The Monarchs are also scheduled to host the track and field events later this spring.