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MADISON, N.J. (May 23, 2016) – Drew University field hockey and women's lacrosse alumna Jess Johnson took a break from a busy schedule of a second-year medical student to volunteer with the Special Olympics this year.
 
Johnson, a Class of 2014 grad and two-sport athlete, just finished up her second year at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, N.Y., where she continued her academic excellence as a member of Sigma Sigma Phi, Touro COM's Honor Society. Johnson stayed connected to athletics by helping to form a sports medicine club at the college, which has since been recognized by the America Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine.
 
Drew men's tennis alum Sal Sclafani, also in his second year at Touro COM, joined the club with his fellow Ranger. The newly approved sports medicine club participated at this year's New York State Special Olympics Winter Games held at various locations in the Hudson Valley during President's Day weekend in February.
 
"Our group had the great opportunity to attend and be part of the Winter Special Olympics in New York," Johnson said. "We cheered on the athletes, assisted in time keeping and recording, and even helped out on the ski slope to make sure everything went smoothly. We all had a blast and feel grateful that we were able to be a part of making the athletes' competition day special. I feel as though I'm speaking for the entire group when I say that we cannot wait to go back again next year."
 
Johnson worked as an official gatekeeper, directing athletes through the gates on the slopes. Sclafani was the official announcer, introducing each athlete, tracking their run, and announcing race results. Both Johnson and Sclafani arrived to the mountain early and made themselves comfortable at a table to study for a big exam before the athletes arrived.