NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – On Sunday, April 6, the State University of New York at New Paltz's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a Special Olympics-affiliated series of basketball games played in both the Elting Gym and the Hawk Center.
 
The 18 teams that competed were made up of New Paltz student-athletes, Special Olympics members and people associated with the Special Olympics Committee. The student-athletes in SAAC spent weekday nights practicing with these teams.
 
The combination of student-athletes and the athletes with special needs working together is a very significant part of what made the day so positive.
  
"I like this event because it promotes a partnership between the Special Olympics athletes and the individuals that they play with," director of programs for the Special Olympics Ellen Pikula shared. "It creates a very great unity."
 
This is the second year that the student-athletes have been placed on teams with the Special Olympians, a concept promoted by Project Unify, an education and sports based strategy powered by an engaged youth community that increases athletic and leadership opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities, while creating communities of acceptance for all.
 
"Project Unify puts together all types of athletes so they can learn with each other and improve their skills while the players without special needs learn about compassion," Pikula said.
 
The teams competed throughout the day, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., completing a full bracket. Student-athletes were scattered around the Athletic & Wellness Center, taking on different jobs and inserting themselves into the Special Olympics community.
 
SAAC president and women's lacrosse junior Jackie Ulanoff said that the event requires a good amount of planning and participation from everyone involved.
 
"In regard to the student-athletes, it is important for us to get involved with the communities that are right around us, including Ulster and Dutchess counties," Ulanoff said. "It is important for them to know that we care about them and we want to be involved with their interests."
 
Both Ulanoff and Pikula were excited to see the turnout for this year's event. They shared that this year was really special because both groups were able to see a lot of familiar faces back on campus. With the large student-athlete community joining in, the amount of support filled up the Athletic & Wellness Center and left lasting memories for everyone involved.