TAMPA, FL (WFLA) — Tampa’s Jesuit High School has been involved with the Special Olympics Summer Games in Hillsborough County for for sixteen years, but the 2016 event is making history. For the first time ever, it’s moving from USF to the Jesuit campus on Himes Avenue.

“Our school really does care so much about helping these kids and allowing them to express their talents and their abilities,” says Jesuit High senior Matthew Rule.

Matthew has volunteered at the Summer Games since his freshman year at Jesuit. It’s part of a community service tradition at the school that has students and many of their fathers volunteer in setting up and running the event, while working directly with the Special Olympics athletes.

Jesuit High graduate and now parent Kevin O’Brien has been involved in the community service project for nearly ten years and tells News Channel 8 it’s rewarding on many levels.

“It’s moving for the dads to watch them grow up before their eyes as they walk the athletes around and interact with them,” says Mr. O’Brien.

While the focus for these volunteers is on the athletes and making sure the event goes as planned, it turns out to be a rewarding experience for the student volunteers as well. Jesuit Senior Jason Stokes is excited about having his dad volunteer with him for the first time. Another student, Hunter Ratchford, says he hopes their work serves as a light for the community. Ultimately, the school’s President believes it’s his own student who are enlightened through service.

“They realize that they themselves have needs, they themselves are supported by others, they themselves have had their fathers, and their older brothers and teachers and coaches supporting and working for them,” explains Jesuit High President Fr. Richard Hermes.

The event kicks-off with a parade of athletes Saturday morning at 9 AM and spectators are welcome to cheer-on the athletes.