NCAA DIII WEEK FEATURE: PAL Games Return for Fourth Consecutive Year as Piedmont Partners with Local Elementary Schools

By Piedmont Athletic Communications

4/7/2026 2:30:00 PM

DEMOREST, Ga. - For the fourth straight year, Piedmont University was proud to sponsor the PAL Games (Piedmont Athletic Lions Games), a special day of competition and camaraderie for students, staff and local elementary school students with special needs.

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games returned in 2023 to great success and have continued for the last four years.

This year, the event took place on Thursday, March 29 inside Cave Arena to continued success. The student led event was organized by Ann Sutton, the Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Development at Piedmont.

This is one of the most meaningful events we host each year. It’s a great opportunity for our student-athletes to connect with the community and create a fun, welcoming environment for these kids. Days like this are what Piedmont Athletics is all about.

Jamie Purdy, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Each elementary school student was paired up with a Piedmont ‘pal’ for the event. The activities included lacrosse, basketball, soccer, minion bowling, and a new favorite, the balance beam.

Piedmont athletics played a major role in the event, as Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Eric Edmonson provided live PA while Lindsay Dilbeck, an assistant professor in the health science department, led the always popular group dances.

Three Piedmont student athletes, Hannah Thompson from Piedmont women's soccer, Nathan Jacome from Piedmont men's soccer, and Paige Kluba from Piedmont women's tennis and women's soccer offered perspective on what makes the day special for them.

"Being a big part of this is super important to me."

"It's a great way for the kids to get out and do something active and all be winners."

- Hannah Thompson, @PiedmontWSOC pic.twitter.com/POhSV5n9j2
— Piedmont Lions (@PiedmontLions) April 7, 2026

This is a great opportunity for them to become immersed in the community and get a special day. Since Special Olympics is a more 'competitive' environment, this is a great way for the kids to get out and do something active and all be winners.

Hannah Thompson, Piedmont Women's Soccer Senior Goalkeeper

"It's very special to me. I'm blessed to be a part of this."

- Nathan Jacome, @PiedmontMSOC pic.twitter.com/COwYFZ2YlG
— Piedmont Lions (@PiedmontLions) April 7, 2026

I'm blessed to be a part of this. I've had the same kid for three years now, and it's always hard every year when we have to part ways. But it's great to see all of the kids here and the bond that it creates.

Nathan Jacome, Piedmont Men's Soccer

"I love being able to interact with them and see what their strengths are."

"It was really cool to see my PAL figure out what he was good at through trying different activities."

- Paige Kluba, @PiedmontUTennis & @PiedmontWSOC pic.twitter.com/lWwtYbxN7y
— Piedmont Lions (@PiedmontLions) April 7, 2026

I love being able to interact with them and see what their strengths are. Today, the boy I was with was so good at lacrosse and basketball. But he was also so good at a ton of other sports and he just didn't realize it. It was really cool to see him figure out what he was good at through different activities.

Paige Kluba, Piedmont Women's Tennis / Soccer

The project continues a growing commitment from Piedmont students and athletes to both become and stay involved with the local community while making a difference in the lives of those around them. These students give back to the local schools and extend their love for sports and their educational studies.

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