May 12, 2010 PLANTSVILLE, Conn. - The Quinnipiac University women's soccer team recently received a "Be a Fan" Award at the Seventh Annual Unified Sports Cup Awards Banquet hosted by the Special Olympics organization and Unified Sports. The banquet was held on Monday, May 10 in Plantsville, Conn, and recognized those who volunteer their time to better the community. Quinnipiac head coach Dave Clarke received the award in representation of the women's program and its' contributions over the past decade.

"It was a humbling experience to be included amongst other people who give so much of their time to volunteer work," said Clarke. "From a program perspective I think it really helps our players appreciate the talent and skill they have and it's a wonderful privilege to share that talent with others in the soccer community."

Each year over the past decade, the Bobcats have volunteered at Special Olympic events in Connecticut, both in season and during the summer months. The events range from soccer tournaments, to clinics and training sessions where the team lends their expertise and support to those in attendance. This season, the Bobcats volunteered at the Fall 2009 Middle School Unified Sports Soccer Tournament on Oct. 6 sponsored by the CIAC and Special Olympics Connecticut. Nine members of the team served as referees for the tournament games that were played at Quinnipiac Park in Cheshire.

The team was nominated for this award by a representative at the CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) and was one of two programs to receive the "Be A Fan" award at the event. Also earning the award was the West Hartford Middle School Unified Sports program.

"From a soccer perspective, volunteering your time for others is the truest most basic form of the game. It's playing for the love of the game and to share that passion is an honor for our program."