Late Night Olympics (LNO), an interhall competition that benefits St. Joseph County Special Olympics, is back for the 24th time, beginning tonight at 6 p.m., coordinator Tim Novak said.
The Games will involve 14 events and take place in the Joyce Center field house and the Rolfs Aquatic Center. Events will include volleyball, men's and women's 3-on-3 basketball, innertube water polo, target golf, cornhole, broomball, men's and women's racquetball, kayaking, dodgeball, men's and women's table tennis, and an obstacle course.
Though the games have been in action for 24 years, there are a few changes to this year's schedule.
"This year's games will begin with an opening ceremony featuring the Notre Dame Marching Band and some Special Olympians from St. Joseph County," Novak said. "I really think it will be a great kickoff to the night."
Any student is eligible to be a part of Late Night Olympics and all dorms have a representative for students to contact if they're interested in participating in the games.
"I'm excited for volleyball — we get competitive," Lyons Hall representative junior Katie McKeough, said.
Aside from the competitive aspect of the games, there is the impact this event has on the community, namely the St. Joseph County Special Olympics.
"Last year, St. Joseph was one of the few counties that didn't have to cancel its winter or summer games because they had enough money, due in part to funds raised from Late Night Olympics," McKeough said.
The Special Olympians will take part in what both Novak and McKeough call their favorite part of the event: The St. Joseph Lions versus Notre Dame staff basketball game.
"You get the chance to meet Olympians and talk with them. To see the people you affect is uplifting," Novak said.
If being an Olympian isn't the kind of thing you're into, there are other ways to help out, Novak said.
"There will be T-shirts for sale at the event for $10 and there is a penny war going on until Friday at midnight with jars at Rockne Memorial and Rolf's Fitness Center," he said.
