CSUEB employees, student-athletes volunteer at Richmond Buffaloes Special Olympics

Andy Cho (far left) with the Richmond Buffaloes Special Olympic team. (By: courtesy of Andy Cho)

April 25, 2013 5:00am

April 29, 2013 Update: View photos from the event on the CSUEB Track & Cross Country Facebook page.

Cal State East Bay Cross Country and Track teams will volunteer at the 13th Annual Richmond Buffaloes Special Olympics Invitational on Saturday, April 27, from 8:30am-3pm at the Contra College Track in San Pablo. The event was started in 1998 by Andy Cho, CSUEB PeopleSoft technical lead, when he couldn’t find activities in Richmond for his son, Devin, whose is on the autistic spectrum.

CSUEB student-athletes will escort participants through scheduled races and help with the measuring, timing and logistics of the various events.

Head Coach Ralph Jones expressed his belief in the importance of Pioneers giving back, "The Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people, and as Pioneers we want to be on the forefront of that fostering.”

Cho is looking forward to having CSUEB student-athletes participate. “I put a call out for volunteers through the campus L.E.E.P. newsletter and Coach Ralph responded,” said Cho. “This will be the first time that a university has ever participated at our event so we’re thrilled to have athletes at that level involved. It will be a great partnership.” In 2011, Cho was honored for his efforts with a local Jefferson Award, a prestigious national recognition system honoring local community and public service in America. Watch KPIX Channel 5 video.

Way to go, Pioneers!