Nearly 20 years ago my dad began working for Special Olympics where shortly thereafter, I became his first “voluntold” (i.e., I was told I would be volunteering one Saturday at a local track meet he was organizing). Since then, sports and Special Olympics have remained an integral part of my life.

I ended up attending St. Bonaventure University where I ran for their Cross Country and Track Program. During college, I was able to continue my involvement with Special Olympics through various Law Enforcement Torch Runs, Polar Plunges and Unified Sports competitions. Upon graduation, I moved to NYC where I continue to work closely with the organization as a member of their Leadership Council and being a part of fundraising initiatives such as the NYC
Marathon.

Over the years, sports have taught me how to set big goals and what it means to work hard in order to achieve them, how to both win and lose, and brought me into contact with many of my closest friends today. Needless to say, sports have had a major positive impact on my life. Special Olympics provides these opportunities to athletes with intellectual disabilities; the same opportunities most of us take for granted. Special Olympics, through the power of sports and competition - puts focus on what athletes CAN do, not what they can’t. There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world, and Special Olympics New York is the largest program in the country providing 22 year-round sports to more than 67,000 athletes at no cost to the athletes or their families. Each $350 raised helps sponsor an athlete for an entire season - which includes new PPE, sports equipment and pays for needed sports facilities.

Please consider joining me in supporting Special Olympics and reaching my goal to sponsor 10 athletes this upcoming season!