Golisano Foundation Extends Grant to Special Olympics New York Into Second Year

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the Golisano Foundation on a grant that builds upon previous work to establish Unified Sports programs at the school level. In the second year of a two-year plan, $175,000 in funding will ensure athletes have a place to continue participating after graduation.

“While I am so proud of the work we’ve done to build new and continuing opportunities for our graduating athletes and Unified partners, there is still more to do,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics NY. “Fortunately for our athletes, the Golisano Foundation is equally inspired to keep the momentum of the inclusion revolution going.”

Special Olympics NY has employed a variety of tactics to fulfill their goals, including working with school transition coordinators, providing schools with graduation packets and resources, and creating new teams for athletes who need them.

“This work in schools and communities throughout Rochester, Western New York, and the Finger Lakes regions has been incredibly impactful,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation. “The Foundation looks forward to its continued success.”

Through this funding, Special Olympics NY anticipates a yearly influx of school-age athletes into its community programs. With the help of their coaches and transition coordinators, these athletes will discover continuing opportunities near them. And, with that assistance, these individuals will kickstart the next generation of community program athletes.

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