How Colleen Belanger Changes the Game for Her Athletes
By Kyle Massa, Director of Digital Engagement
“Being involved in Unified has been one of the most positive things in my 25 years of teaching.”
That’s according to Colleen Belanger, Saratoga Springs High School Physical Education teacher and Unified coach. She’s been named a Game Changer in the Capital District and a nominee for Coach of the Year in 2026. So what fuels her passion for this movement?
“Unified has driven me to provide as many opportunities for my athletes as possible,” Colleen explained. “High school can be a hard place, but to have a group of people where you know you will always be accepted for who you are is so valuable to both our athletes and partners.”
This past June, Colleen and two students from Saratoga Springs High School, Elliot Lester and Adam Wolcz, flew to Minnesota to attend Special Olympics USA Games as part of the Youth Leadership Experience. They were, to borrow a phrase from Colleen, “blown away.”
“The feeling that you get as being part of Team NY, the gear, the travel arrangements, and everything that is done to get us all there…it’s hard to describe,” she said. “I have been so fortunate to attend USA Games twice. After attending in 2018, I was hooked. That was the start of my desire and drive to be involved in Special Olympics and give my students at Saratoga every opportunity possible.”
Colleen’s desire and drive are sure to make even more of an impact on Saratoga in the coming school year. She said, “I think my pair is very eager to share what they learned and saw with others in our school.”
And when asked why other schools should try Unified, Colleen responded with a question of her own.
“Why not? Our young people are an inclusive generation. Give your students with intellectual disabilities the space and time to interact with their peers, and don’t be afraid for them. They can do it!”
On behalf of everyone here at Special Olympics New York, thank you, Colleen. You’re making an amazing impact at your school, in your state, and beyond.
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