Special Olympics New York Unified Basketball Championships MVP Arena May 16-22

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York and MVP Arena today released the schedule for next week’s Section 2 Unified Basketball Championships. Over 35 high schools from throughout the Capital region will compete, beginning Monday.

Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team, promoting friendship, understanding, and sportsmanship. They are the keystone of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming, which helps schools create an inclusive and positive school climate. The championships will showcase the dedication and talent of the athletes, while emphasizing the spirit of inclusion that makes Unified Sports so special.

“Special Olympics New York is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Section 2 athletes, unified partners and school districts at the MVP Arena,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Student leadership continues to drive the growth of inclusive school communities across the Capital Region and New York state. Events like this demonstrate all that’s possible when schools, local leaders and community partners come together. We can’t wait to showcase the authentic, inspiring competition and sportsmanship of our Unified teams.”

“We’re proud to welcome the Unified Basketball Championships to MVP Arena,” said Bob Belber, MVP Arena General Manager. “This event showcases how sports can unite communities while celebrating the talent, determination, and spirit of every athlete. We look forward to hosting the players, their families, and fans for what promises to be an inspiring and memorable championship experience.”

“Special Olympics Unified Sports represents the very best of inclusion, teamwork, and community spirit,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Bringing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same court showcases the power of sports to unite people from all backgrounds. Albany County is proud to host the Unified Basketball Championships, and I know our community will enthusiastically support these outstanding athletes. I’m also proud that our Innovation Partnership continues to champion opportunities that celebrate inclusion and achievement.”

More than 35 schools, 375 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 340 unified partners without disabilities are competing in Special Olympics Unified Basketball in Section 2 this season. Leading up to the Championships, divisions were created, based on team performance throughout the season, to ensure an equal ability for each team to win within each bracket. MVP Arena matchups will feature each division championship and third place game.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event and cheer on the athletes as they compete for championship medals.

The public schedule is as follows:

Monday 5/18 

  • 9:00: Cambridge vs Corinth
  • 11:00: South Glens Falls vs Granville
  • 1:00: Queensbury vs Mechanicville
  • 3:00: Guilderland vs Saratoga
  • 5:00: Scotia Glenville vs Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

          Tuesday 5/19 

          • 9:00: Mohonasen vs Niskayuna
          • 11:00: Broadalbin vs Cairo Durham
          • 1:00: Stillwater vs Schalmont
          • 3:00: Albany vs Schenectady
          • 5:00: Shenendehowa vs Shaker

                  Wednesday 5/20

                  • 9:00: Lansingburgh vs Tamarac
                  • 11:00: Hudson Falls vs Hoosick Falls
                  • 1:00: Colonie vs Schulyerville
                  • 3:00: Troy vs Glens Falls
                  • 5:00: Cohoes vs Gloversville

                          Thursday 5/21

                          • 9:00: Berlin vs Fort Edward 
                          • 11:00: Ballston Spa vs Columbia
                          • 1:00: Bethlehem vs Amsterdam

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