Local Program Hosts
What is LPH?
Since its inception in 2002, the Local Program Host (LPH) program has become a way for freshmen students to become involved in Special Olympics and have a profound impact throughout the entire weekend.
The LPH program is open to all full-time freshmen students entering their first semester in the fall. Throughout the weekend LPH’s are responsible for being a liaison between the Special Olympics Committee and the county participants to which the LPH is assigned.
LPH’s get to know athletes throughout the weekend, cheering them on during competition, creating posters & cheers to support them, and setting an overall positive and exuberant tone for the weekend! LPHs attend weekly meetings on Monday nights and serve from 6:00am-9:00pm from Friday- Sunday of Fall Fest.
What does LPH mean to you?
Julia Geib '26
"LPH has meant the world to me and so much more. It open doors to a whole new community that I would have never been apart of if I didn’t sign up freshman year. LPH brings so much life to fall fest as they cheer on athletes in their counties and continue on the mission of inclusion"
Dorothy McCarthy '27
"Being an LPH was such an amazing part of freshman year and the best introduction to the SPO organization at Nova! LPH gave me an opportunity to connect with other volunteers and athletes alike both throughout the weekend itself and in the weeks leading up to it."
Emelia Valentino '28
"LPH was a great experience as a first year student. Not only was I introduced to the community I have now found a second family in, but so many great friends along the way! It really allowed me to branch out and learn more about the Villanova community and how much SpO means to each and every single student here."
What was your favorite part of being an LPH?
Brendan Lanka '26
"Being exposed to positive influences on campus and seeing the good that can be done through the organization and spo as a whole."
Dan Slater '27
"I’ll never forget how much my athletes loved getting to know me just as much as I loved getting to know them. My favorite memory was walking to LDR/W Saturday morning to be greeted by my athletes running up to me shouting my name and giving me a huge hug."
Maddie Alesso '28
"My favorite part about being an LPH was the connections I made with the athletes, making them smile and being their biggest fan every step of the way. The connections I made were so real and meaningful, and I’m still in touch with some of my LPH county athletes."
