Annual Spirit of Sport ends 30-year run

Spirit of Sport, the annual event that showcased IU's various athletic clubs, will not be returning for the first time in 30 years. \n"Spirit of Sport has really accomplished its goals and it's no longer novel; it's no longer unique," said Kathy Bayless, director of Campus Recreational Sports and assistant dean for the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. \nThe event began in 1976 as a way for students to learn about recreational sports, Bayless said. With no Student Recreational Sports Center and having just replaced the dirt floor of the HPER, IU officials wanted to expand toward having only competitive sports and clubs.\n"We wanted people to enjoy the recreational side of sports, not just the competitive side of sports," Bayless said. \nAnother goal was to fulfill Title IX, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race and gender in federally-funded institutions. Spirit of Sport was used as a way to show women the opportunities that were open to them in the athletic arena, Bayless said. \nThe Spirit of Sport motto even reflected the goal of equality: "Sport for all -- regardless of age, regardless of skill, regardless of interest," Bayless said.\nThe money made during the event was donated to Special Olympics Indiana. Though not a fundraiser, Spirit of Sport raised between $12,000 and $17,000 each year. Throughout the 30 years the event ran, $320,000 was donated. Spirit of Sport was Special Olympics Indiana's longest running benefit.\n"The reason we're not continuing Spirit of Sport isn't because it isn't important, it's because we feel those goals have been met," Bayless said.\nBetween 7,000 and 10,000 participants and spectators crowded into the HPER each February, but in recent years, a decline in attendance had been noticed. Though turnout was less, participation in recreational sports is at an all-time high, Bayless said. Studies done by Campus Recreational Sports found that about 87 percent of students have some type of involvement in recreational sports. \nBayless said students are now able to find out about the various opportunities offered by visiting the School of HPER, the SRSC or browsing through Web sites or brochures. \n"When this event first started, it was the only way," said senior Katie Haft, president of the Student Recreational Sports Association.\nOne event from Spirit of Sport that will continue is the Polar Bear Plunge. Sponsored by the IU Swim Club, the participants will plunge into icy water for the enjoyment of observers. The Plunge will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at the SRSC. To participate, pick up a flyer at the SRSC or contact IU Swim Club President Mary Beth Bray at swimclub@indiana.edu. All money raised will be donated to the Special Olympics Indiana. \nAlthough the original goals for the event have been fulfilled, Bayless said some of her most meaningful memories happened during Spirit of Sport.\n"There's a part of me that will always have a special place for Spirit of Sport," she said tearfully.