New Paltz Sports Information Department

New Paltz, NY — On Sep. 7, the State University of New York New Paltz women's volleyball team will be hosting its third annual Down Syndrome Awareness fundraising game. 

"The fundraiser is to support Samantha, a fifth grader who has Down Syndrome, as well as many people with Down Syndrome across the state that benefit from the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut's (DC ACT's) resources," said Hawks women's volleyball alumna Cate DiGiacomo. "The organization provides trainings, literacy workshops, and events for people with Down Syndrome and their families."

Since 2022, the SUNY New Paltz women's volleyball program has been dedicating one game of their season to "Step Up for Down Syndrome Awareness", a fundraising effort for Samantha and her team named "Samantha's Sunshine Gang", a group that participates in the Step Up for Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut, held on September 28th at 10 a.m. 

The funds from the walk benefit the DC ACT, which provides numerous programs and resources to those with Down Syndrome and the families of the individuals. Along with trainings and workshops, DC ACT provides support programs to parents and siblings of Down Syndrome children, grants to "support the inclusion of people with Down syndrome" in schools and organizations, and much more to encourage and support those who live with Down Syndrome. 


"I've had the pleasure of being Samantha's babysitter and paraprofessional for many years," said DiGiacomo. "She has grown so much socially and emotionally throughout elementary school [and] this organization provides many amazing opportunities for her, and many others, to engage with families and friends at events like the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk and block party at the end of September."

The game will begin at 5:45 p.m. in the Hawks Center as SUNY New Paltz take on Union College. The past two games have been victories, and the Hawks hope to continue that tradition, but the meaning of the game surpasses the importance of a win or loss. 

"Coach Giufre worked with me to dedicate a game to this fundraiser for the past two seasons and I'm so excited he wanted to continue the tradition," DiGiacomo said. "Having Samantha and her brother, Nathaniel, come to our gym and be welcomed by our program encourages the message that everyone belongs and sports are a great place to bring people together."

If interested in joining Samantha's Sunshine Gang or to read more about Step Up for Down Syndrome, click here. 
 
To donate directly, head to nphawks.com/samanthassunshinegang.