Fall Sports Drills Designed by Special Olympics New York Now Available for Schools, Individuals Working Out at Home

Albany, NY – Following on the success of its first-ever Sports Season at Home completed over the summer, Special Olympics New York is now underway with a Fall Sports Season that includes credible practice drills in sports such as golf, soccer, softball, and more. The organization’s resources are publicly available for Physical Education classes as well as individuals with and without disabilities working out at home.

An instructional video and more information are available online.

Activities in the At Home/School program were designed by Special Olympics New York in compliance with state and Special Olympics International guidelines for social distancing. The program is an effort by the statewide organization to offer its athletes ongoing opportunities for training and competition throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can’t keep something this good to ourselves,” Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman said of the program. “We are seeing our athletes inspired to work just as hard as they typically would in person, seeing their spirits lifted by the virtual interaction with their teammates and coaches and, of course, seeing them really come alive from the opportunity to compete. If Special Education or Physical Education classes can enjoy some of that same energy, we are more than happy to help.”

In the Fall Sports Season at Home or School, participants can choose from more than 25 unique sporting events that have been divided into eight categories: general sport readiness, bocce, cross-country, cycling, biathlon, soccer, golf, and softball. Athletes may train in as many events as they like, but they may only compete in a maximum of four. At the end of the season, athletes submit their best scores in their desired events, and awards are given to top performers in each division.

Hengsterman said that while only registered Special Olympics New York athletes can compete with the organization, the activities themselves and the competition outline are publicly available for adaptation.

Visit the organization’s website or contact social@nyso.org for more information.

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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 220 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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