Students and faculty from the Campbell University medical school, the Campbell University Physician Assistant program and myriad university programs and departments volunteered their time in reaching out to the community as part of the Special Olympics 2026 Spring Games, held on campus April 30.
Members of many student organizations took part throughout the day-long event. That includes the Exceptional Camels and Pediatrics clubs from the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM), Community and Global Health from the med school and students from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
Dr. David Tillman, associate professor and chair, Department of Public Health, served as master of ceremonies. Special guests included Harnett County School Superintendent Dr. Chris Pearson and Campbell University First Lady Kimberly Downs.
Leaders of CUSOM’s Exceptional Camels (EC) club, which helps bring awareness to the wellness and care of individuals with different abilities and exceptional needs, spent time setting up the grounds, speaking with students and parents and, in many cases, taking part in events alongside the athletes participating in the Special Olympic N.C. Harnett County Spring Games, 2026.
“I’m having a great time,” said Lily Halloway, president of the EC club and a first-year student at CUSOM. “This is my first Special Olympics, and it’s so much fun. I love the community. Everyone’s having a great time.”
The Special Olympics, established in 1968, celebrates joy, courage and empowerment.
EC Club Vice President Max Hill said, “It’s just great, because you really get to see the impact on the kids themselves, and also on their parents.”
Andrew Aldi, also a part of the EC Club and a first-year student at CUSOM, ran alongside and encouraged the athletes as they lined up and raced on the Irwin Belk Track.
“It’s awesome,” said Aldi, who, in a light rain, stood on the track with the athletes. “It’s great to see all these athletes out here, and especially their parents. The weather was a little crazy getting this all set up together, but we did it. It’s organized chaos in the best way possible. And it’s just really great to see everybody’s smiles as they’re running to the finish. It’s the reason I’m here.”
“I’m just really proud that so many of the CUSOM and PA students showed up today for the athletes, in addition to the many community members that are here” said Dr. Brianne Holmes, assistant professor of Professional Development and club adviser to the Exceptional Camels Club at the medical school.
Holmes helped coordinate the volunteers and worked to keep everyone in their right spots throughout the day.
“These athletes have practiced and worked hard to compete in their events, and they deserve to shine and be celebrated for that,” Holmes said.
“The Special Olympics of Harnett County does so much to make this event happen each year, I’m really glad Campbell is able to do what we can to be good hosts and supporters. I’ve watched the DO and PA students volunteer together all day to support this amazing program and it really speaks volumes to the kind of the kind of community minded school that Campbell is and the kind of students we are developing here.
“My greatest hope is that the athletes and the whole Special Olympics organization felt supported and encouraged by all of the Campbell and community volunteers, and that everyone has had a fantastic experience,” she said.