Wingate, N.C.----In a few days, Wingate townspeople will see Scott Fleenor at the U.S. Post Office. He will tell them about today's Special Olympics Field Day…how he was able to wear his Wingate football helmet…how he loves his Bulldogs…and how he cannot wait for next year's event.
 
In 2013, the Wingate University football team celebrated the 10th anniversary of Special Olympics Field Day at Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field. The Olympians visit several activity stations, honing their football skills. Each Olympian will leave with Bulldog swag…a Wingate T-Shirt and other items.
 
The set-up hasn't changed too much over the years…After introductions, Wingate's Director of Sport Performance Shawn Barrett leads the group in warm-up exercises. Afterwards, Wingate's 56 freshmen invade the visiting bleachers…and cheer for the Olympians. The sophomores, juniors and seniors (and coaches) are on the field, encouraging, helping and high-fiving.
 
Wingate redshirt junior defensive end Nick Napolitano (Shallotte, N.C.) was paired with David. "What a great guy," Napolitano says. "He is full of energy. We went to the locker room…he wanted to try on our helmets and talk football with everyone. He traded X-Box Live accounts with us."
 
"The Special Olympians make this day special," Wingate head football coach Joe Reich says. "The joy they bring is contagious…it makes our guys appreciate what they have."
 
Napolitano and the Bulldog veterans recognize the Special Olympians' passion. "It was great to see the Special Olympians and the Wingate players come together," Napolitano says. "…watching David go through his offensive, defensive and kicking drills was a big highlight for me."
 
"The older guys know what the Special Olympians bring to the table," Reich says. "Every year, it is neat to see the interaction between our players and the Special Olympians. I think we feed on their enthusiasm."

Wingate assistant coach and offensive coordinator Mike Long oversees community engagement activities for the Bulldog football team. He founded the Special Olympics Field Day 10 years ago. In addition to Special Olympics Field Day, Wingate student-athletes visit the Levine Children's Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center each year.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Wingate University, ranked as the 6th "best value" in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves nearly 3,000 students on three campuses in Wingate, Charlotte and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy, physical therapy and education.
 
With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity. 
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past seven years. For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.
 
Wingate is first among NCAA Division II Academic All-America®-producing private colleges in the 2000's with 57 selections. Among North Carolina's colleges and universities, Wingate's 57 Academic All-America® honorees are number one during this millennium. Wingate's 66 lifetime Academic All-America® picks are tops among all SAC schools. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com.