Dr. Vincent Siasoco Earns the 2019 Special Olympics New York Golisano Health Leadership Award
Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York’s preeminent recognition for health partners and individuals has been awarded to Dr. Vincent Siasoco, Metro Community Health Center’s Chief Medical Officer.
The Golisano Health Leadership Award recognizes deserving individuals and/or organizations that make significant contributions to both Special Olympics Health Programs and the promotion of healthcare, wellness, and fitness for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Vincent is one of our athletes’ greatest advocates and champions for health equality in New York State,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “His skill, dedication, and commitment set the highest possible bar for medical professionals working to improve healthcare policy and practice for people with intellectual differences.”
Dr. Siasoco has been a leader in Special Olympics Healthy Athletes programming since 2016. He leads two to three health screenings each year. He has recruited numerous colleagues and health professionals from his professional network, providing an increase in trained Clinical Directors throughout New York State. Dr. Siasoco has also eased athletes’ access to quality follow-up health care and increased their participation in year-round wellness and fitness programs. As the newly appointed Chair of the SONY Health Advisory Council, Vincent will be leading chosen clinical and community health leaders in New York to further the health vision and objectives of Special Olympics New York.
Dr. Siasoco not only leads the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Health Promotion screening annually at the Winter Classic Floor Hockey Tournament at the Javits Center in New York City, but he plans MedFest events throughout the year to provide Special Olympics athletes with an opportunity to receive a sports physical in order to participate in Special Olympics programs and competitions. Dr. Siasoco hopes to lead MedFest events twice a year in different locations across the five boroughs to give NYC Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to receive a free medical screening in order to participate in Special Olympics programming.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Siasoco. “I first started out as a volunteer coach at Special Olympics during college and I am proud to continue to be involved today with such an extraordinary organization. I feel very fortunate that I’m able to support, advocate, and work with others dedicated to ensuring our athletes receive the quality care they so deserve. Thank you to Special Olympics New York and the Golisano Foundation for this recognition.”
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 170 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. 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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