Oct. 26, 2006

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Last Saturday, the Stony Brook men's basketball team hosted a clinic for the New York Long Island Region of the Special Olympics. After participating in drills with the Stony Brook coaches and student-athletes, the Seawolves had an autograph session for the Special Olympic athletes.

"It was an awesome day for our basketball program," said men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell. "It was great to see how excited the Special Olympic athletes were to work with our team. We look forward to working with the Special Olympics in the future and plan to bring them out for half-time at one of our games this year."

On Sunday, October 22nd, more than 75 Stony Brook University student-athletes participated in the 13th annual Walk for Beauty in support of raising awareness for breast and prostate cancer research. As they do every year, enthusiastic athletes representing many of Stony Brook's teams lined the 4/6k route and offered encouragement to all of the participants, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves. As several thousand participants weaved their way through the scenic route of Stony Brook village, they were met on every corner by the supportive cheering of Stony Brook athletes. This year's Walk raised approximately $65,000 to support research at the Stony Brook University Medical Center.

"It was phenomenal to see so many of our student-athletes giving of their time and compassion for members of the Stony Brook community but it wasn't surprising," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Donna Woodruff. "Stony Brook student-athletes always seem to rise to the occasion when there is a call for volunteers and they truly value those opportunities to be involved. The Walk for Beauty and Special Olympics are important annual events and our student-athletes look forward to participating in them every year."