Villanova Debuting Documentary On Delco Special Olympics Soccer Teams Friday

Villanova University student filmmakers will be debuting a new documentary Friday evening on the university's campus. But this documentary debut promises to be quite special.

Over 80 Special Olympics athletes, family members and friends will be at the debut of "Gold Mettle," which focuses on Delaware County 11 on 11 and 7 on 7 Special Olympics soccer teams, according to the university.

Over 15 weeks, ten Villanova student filmmakers followed the teams to give audiences a rare and inspirational look in to the daily challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, coupled with the tremendous sense of joy, accomplishment and friendship provided by Special Olympics, the university said in a press release.

The resulting film, “Gold Mettle,” will debut on Dec. 9 with opening remarks from the students preceding the film showing at 7 p.m. in The Villanova Room of the Connelly Center at Villanova University.

Delaware County Councilman John McBlain will present a Delaware County resolution to the film students recognizing their work for social justice, the university said.

Each fall, Villanova University hosts one of the largest Special Olympics competitions in the nation as thousands of athletes, coaches and volunteers come together to celebrate the culmination of countless months of training, hard work, building friendships and overcoming challenges both athletic and unique to living with intellectual disabilities, the university said.

“Gold Mettle” follows two Delaware County Special Olympics soccer teams as they grow and develop toward their goal of winning a gold medal at the Villanova Fall Festival, according to the university.

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