Grant Supports Growing Opportunities for Students to Continue Playing Unified Beyond Graduation
NEW YORK, NY — Special Olympics New York today announced it has received a $225,000 grant from The Taft Foundation to support the expansion of its life-changing sports programming throughout New York City, including Unified Sports® opportunities that bring together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment, as Special Olympics New York and New York City Public Schools continue to strengthen a partnership aimed at expanding Unified Sports programming in schools across the five boroughs. Together, they are creating more inclusive school communities while building pathways for students to remain engaged in sports and leadership.
“As graduation season celebrates the achievements and futures of thousands of New York City students, we are proud to be working with The Taft Foundation to ensure that young people who experience the power of Unified Sports in school have opportunities to continue competing and connecting for years to come,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We are so grateful to The Taft Foundation for supporting inclusive communities where athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to play.”
Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, promoting inclusion, acceptance, and leadership both on and off the field of play. The Taft Foundation’s support will help Special Olympics New York grow programming capacity, increase participation opportunities across New York City, and expand outreach to young athletes and Unified partners transitioning from school-based programs into community-based competition and leadership opportunities.
“Special Olympics New York shows us every day that sports are a powerful vehicle for connection, belonging, and inclusion,” said Nina Bershadker, Executive Director of The Taft Foundation. “Too often, young people with intellectual disabilities experience a cliff in opportunities after graduation. Through the expansion of its community programs, Special Olympics New York will enable individuals to stay connected to sports and community throughout their lives and build inclusive communities that welcome athletes of all abilities. We are proud of our partnership and look forward to its continued impact.”
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is one of the largest state chapters in the country, serving more than 51,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 375 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 Candid and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, 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.
