Special Olympics New York Announces “Bonus Week” of Virtual Training for Athletes Provided by Capital District YMCA
Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York today announced a “bonus week” of virtual training for its athletes and community provided by Capital District YMCA. Training videos will be free to access on the Special Olympics New York YouTube channel beginning this weekend.
Immediately following the suspension of its formal sports training and competition in March, Special Olympics New York launched its first-ever virtual training program in an effort to keep athletes healthy, fit and engaged from home. The program’s live sessions on Fridays bring athletes, coaches, and fans together each week. Special guests have included Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackle Harrison Phillips and Special Olympics International Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne as well as Fashion Models Sanne Vloet and Eniko Mihalik.
“As the effects of social distancing are felt deeply by individuals and communities across the state and throughout the country, Special Olympics athletes all too familiar with social isolation have emerged as leaders in bringing us together and helping us all cope,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Together with our most dedicated partners like the YMCA, we are proud to provide a virtual platform where all people are accepted, valued and included.”
“Core to our mission at the Y is strengthening our community. We’re delighted to help our friends at Special Olympics New York,” noted Erin Breslin, Senior Director of Marketing and Membership for the Capital District YMCA.
Bonus Week training by Capital District YMCA will be comprised of workouts for the entire body, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes in length, including “Hold it at Home,” “Med Ball Core Challenge,” “Body Weight Soul Control,” “No Floor Core” and “Monster HIIT.”
Special Olympics New York and local YMCA chapters partner year-round to provide a Young Athletes program, which provides inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities, ages 2 to 7. It engages children activities important to their mental and physical development, such as running, balance and catching, while also teaching inclusion at a young age and preparing athletes for Special Olympics training and competition when they become eligible at age 8. An at-home version of the Young Athletes program was also launched in recent weeks.
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About Special Olympics New York
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 68,000 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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