Special Olympics New York Kicks Off First-Ever Summer Equestrian Series for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
Top Special Olympics Riders to Make Debut at Saratoga Horse Show July 13 & 14
Stillwater, NY – Special Olympics New York today announced the start of its first-ever “Summer Show Series,” which will provide some of its most advanced equestrian athletes with a chance to compete in three elite competitions.
The Series includes the Saratoga Horse Show this week in Stillwater, HITS Saugerties August 3-5 in the Hudson Valley, and the Hampton Classic August 28 – Sept. 3, 2022 in Long Island.
“We are proud to be offering our athletes this unique opportunity to showcase their talent at the most elite equestrian competitions in New York,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Thank you to the Saratoga Horse Show and each of the venues for including Special Olympics in this year’s event.”
Special Olympics athletes will compete in the Saratoga Horse Show Wednesday, July 13, at 1:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 14, at Noon. The show is taking place at White Hollow Farm at 28 Brickhouse Road in Stillwater, NY.
Special Olympics athletes who will compete are:
Ella Hoffman, 21, of Albany; Ella is a Capital District native heading to a College Experience program and living on campus at St. Rose College this fall. Ella has been riding for 12 years and has competed in equestrian competitions locally as well Special Olympics Unified Basketball in high school.
Sophie Baghdassarian, 25, of Great Neck; Sophie is spunky equestrian and YouTuber who has been riding horses for more than 10 years.
Juno Cox, 16, of Brooklyn; Juno started riding with GallopNYC, a therapeutic riding program that now hosts a Special Olympics New York training club in NYC. Outside of riding, Juno is a gifted visual artist who attends LaGuardia High School.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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