NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – On Saturday, April 21, the State University of New York at New Paltz Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) teamed up with the Special Olympics for a basketball clinic and a basketball game. Members of the SAAC and other student-athletes from the men’s and women’s basketball teams had a chance to work with the Orange County Flames and the Running Foxes from the Special Olympics organization.
“Working with the Special Olympics was an amazing experience,” said Zoe Cohen, SAAC president and a senior on the women’s basketball team. “Not only was the competition level tremendous, but the heart and support that each player showed was unbelievable. I hope to be able to work with the Special Olympics again because it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of.”
To start the day, the New Paltz student-athletes conducted a basketball clinic in the Hawk Center with the Special Olympians teaching basketball skills. It was followed up by an intrasquad game between the members of the OC Flames. Then the New Paltz Hawk student-athletes were lucky enough to take on the Running Foxes team. After the games, everyone got a chance to meet and get to know each over lunch in the Athletic & Wellness Center.
“The day was full of fun and excitement and it was a pleasure to be a part of,” said Caitlin Irwin, SAAC vice president and a senior on the women’s basketball team. “Both the Special Olympians and the New Paltz student-athletes seemed to have enjoyed themselves. It was an amazing experience, and I am very grateful for having the opportunity to work with them.”
“The New Paltz student-athletes gave so freely of themselves and their talents in a fun, learning environment. We have never been so impressed with an entire group of young adults”, said Mary Cooper of the Orange County Flames. “Each of them spent time getting to know our athletes by name, engaging them in conversation and making them feel special. Everyone at New Paltz exemplified the essence of the Special Olympics mission.”
