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Special Olympics

SAAC Keith Kenney, Director of Wellness & Recreation

SAAC Spends Memorable Day with Special Olympians

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – On Sunday, March 10, the State University of New York at New Paltz's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held a Special Olympics Unififed basketball tournament at the Athletic & Wellness Center. The event was successful for all of the Special Olympians and SAAC student-athletes that attended helped make this event special and stand out. Their leadership qualities shined as they helped their respective teams vie for medals with a positive attitude while keeping the atmosphere entertaining.

The Special Olympics event was run by SAAC and Department of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation SAAC representatives Mike Trunkes and Colleen Bruley.

"It was wonderful observing the interaction between our student athletes and the Special Olympians. It truly was a rewarding experience for all involved.", said Trunkes, head cross country coach and department SAAC representative.

The Special Olympics Unified Basketball Tournament was the first of its kind in New York State Special Olympics. A Unified tournament matches teams that consist of Special Olympians with non-Special Olympians playing together. The success of this event will most likely make the Unififed basketball tournament a new tradition in New York State Special Olympics.

Within this Special Olympics event 12 teams participated within four divisions with three teams in each division. Among them were 11 New Paltz SAAC student-athletes who played on two of teams within the teamed divisions. After their outstanding efforts on the court, each team was awarded with either a gold, silver or bronze medal.

"Thank you so much to all of our SAAC and student-athletes who worked so hard to make our Special Olympics event so successful!" said Bruley, head women's soccer coach and department SAAC representative.

"When taking a look around Elting during this event, all that could be seen were rosy cheeks and toothy grins," said SAAC president and sophomore women's lacrosse player Jackie Ulanoff  (Northport, N.Y./Northport). "This day was a great success not only because of the enjoyment of the Special Olympic teams, but because of the opportunity that myself and the other students received to interact with and befriend this unique group of athletes. As much as we gave to this event, it was what we took out that truly defined the experience."

The Department of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation would like to continue working with the Special Olympics in years to come after this years event.

"I want to thank each and every one of the student-athletes for their help and support in making this first-time tournament a huge success. So a huge thank you," said Ellen Pikula, Director of Program for SO Hudson Valley Region. "It was apparent in that there were volunteers everywhere all day long. Never has that occurred at ANY other collegiate facility. Kudos!! Your efforts were much appreciated on many levels. Special Olympics would love to come back to have you host this tournament again and have it grow larger." 

Special Olympics Day 2013 Gallery

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