Rally with the Rapids is an experiential learning project in which students in Sport Facility and Event Management (SPM 376) apply core principles taught in class (event conceptualization, marketing, communications, risk management, staffing, revenue generation, operations, etc.) to host a charity basketball between two Special Olympic basketball teams.  In November of 2022, the event raised over $4,000 and was covered by Fox 17 and WZZM.

In addition to the event, a qualitative study was conducted on the development of diversity-related competencies amongst the students hosting the event. Results were overwhelmingly positive and affirmed the critical nature of experiential learning projects and their influence on all stakeholders involved. Several key themes emerged from the student interviews including prior experience with Special Olympic (SO) athletes, understanding and acceptance of SO athletes, prior prejudices and biases, change in attitudes related to individuals with intellectual disabilities, future involvement in SO or similar movements, and recommendations for the course project.

“Rally with the Rapids is a night that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I hope the athletes and fans that attended feel the same way. My classmates and I utilized information and strategies we learned in the classroom and were able to gain real world experience on planning all aspects of a sporting event...we were able to raise awareness and donate money to Special Olympics to help them continue providing athletes with opportunities...you couldn’t ask for more from a college assignment.” -Student