Every year, all Brebeuf athletes are required to volunteer at the Special Olympics EKS games. Hosted at Brebeuf and Grand Park, this event is an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes from across the state to come together, compete, and have fun.

For Brebeuf students, though, volunteering at this event allows students to give back to their community and do something they may otherwise not have the opportunity to do. It’s a time to work together with their fellow teammates and serve as “men and women for others”.

This year, the EKS games took place on the 29th of September. The games were hosted at both Brebeuf and Grand Park, depending on the type of event being held. 

Emily Garten ‘25 helped manage volleyball and flag football at Brebeuf. As a member of SALT, she assisted with the setup and cleanup of the event, as well as stayed all day managing the events and leading other volunteers.

Garten believes that Brebeuf athletes should volunteer at the EKS games and that they “ should strive to have a positive attitude, recognizing that this service fulfills our school’s motto.” 

Noah Bergstrom ‘27 worked the cornhole games at Grand Park and also agreed that the EKS games are a beneficial service activity for Brebeuf athletes, saying that “it’s a good thing to allow us to step back and see how fortunate we are.”

Regardless of what activity you volunteer at, whether it be cornhole, souvenirs, the distance run/walk, or the many other events, every student is doing their part in making this event a wonderful experience for the Special Olympics athletes. These events not only benefit the athletes, but can also bring lots of joy to the volunteers at the event.

One particular memory that sticks out to Garten is that “a little girl ran up to me, gave me a hug, and told me that she set a personal record in the 3k.” Memories like these ones stick out to volunteers because they get to see the joy that their small effort towards the event can bring to the many athletes.

Although the requirement of volunteering at the EKS games can seem unnecessary and tedious, it ultimately is a great way for all Brebeuf teams to come together as one united community for a common good.

“I think it’s a great way for Brebeuf to become more involved in the surrounding community,” Elyse Barth ‘25 says. Enjoying this time with both teammates as well as the athletes is a wonderful way to develop stronger connections within the Brebeuf community and with people from across the state.

As Brebeuf students, we are called to do what we can to give back to the community and serve others. Through the annual EKS games, students have the opportunity to search out our goal of becoming people for others.