(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK CITY — Special Olympics New York and Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY) are dedicated to ensuring and improving access to health care services for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Continuing in this effort, the two organizations have announced a new partnership aimed at tackling health disparities within this population while creating equitable opportunities.
“This is one of our most exciting health collaborations yet,” said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Through extensive cross-promotion, support, and more, we plan to improve our already outstanding health care for individuals with disabilities in New York.”
Programs have already begun as representatives from ACA/NY recently volunteered at Special Olympics New York’s annual floor hockey tournament, the Winter Classic, at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan, creating a fun and engaging experience for the members they serve.
“It was a tremendous opportunity for ACA/NY to be a part of Special Olympics New York’s Winter Classic,” said Jaime Madden, Chief Administrative Officer of Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY). “What a sight it was to watch the extraordinary examples of teamwork and athleticism displayed by the athletes and coaches.”
As this partnership progresses, Special Olympics NY will disseminate important health information via ACA/NY’s Family Forum program to educate constituents across the region. ACA/NY will attend several Downstate Special Olympics NY events throughout 2022, sharing their services and information with athletes, coaches, and families. In addition, ACA/NY will provide volunteers for Special Olympics NY’s Healthy Athletes initiatives. Healthy Athletes is a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings and health education in a fun, welcoming environment.
“As we continue to grow our relationship with one another, ACA/NY looks forward to many more events of inclusion with Special Olympics New York,” said Madden.