Belmont’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted its third annual Battle of the Bruins event, a student athlete talent show that raised more than $4,000 Nashville Special Olympics on Tuesday night in the Curb Event Center. The program featured 12 acts from Belmont athletic teams and four from Special Olympics, including the Music City Miracle Choir and solo performances by Jimmy Clark.
Judges for the event were former National Football League player Derek Mason, Special Olympics star Jimmy Carpenter, Belmont Vice President and Chief of Staff Susan West, Ohio Valley Conference Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Gibbs and Grammy award-winning artist Vince Gill.
“I always love being a part of the Battle of the Bruins. It is so much fun seeing what team’s talents are outside of their sports. Our judges were stars and the Special Olympians had the best acts of the night,” said SAAC Co-President Charlie Dankert. “Thanks to everyone who attended and supported this great cause.”
The night opened with Jimmy Clark performing the national anthem. Men’s track and field team performed a comedy skit and song and dance routine and took home the top prize. The men’s basketball team came in second place with their “Deal or No Deal” parody. The women’s and men’s soccer teams tied for third place. Other highlights of the night included two performances by the Music City Miracle Choir’s including “That’s What Makes Me Special” and the numerous student-athlete renditions of “What Does the Fox Say?”
“It is a competitive event that allows the athletes to show whatever talents they may have off the field, and it gives all of us an opportunity to see how talented the Olympians are. Seeing the smiles on the Olympians’ faces warmed our hearts, and we love being able to aid them in their own athletic dreams,” said SAAC Co-President Evin Edens.
Last year, SAAC raised over $10,000 for Nashville Special Olympics.
