Photo Gallery (Courtesy Special Olympics)

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. – On Sunday April 12, the State University of New York at New Paltz Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted a Special Olympics-affiliated series of basketball games played in both Elting Gym and the Hawk Center.
 
The 14 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 spent weekday nights practicing with these teams leading up to the event.
 
The combination of New Paltz student-athletes and the Special Olympians working together as a cohesive unit is a very significant part of what made the day so extraordinary.
  "Unified Sports is beneficial to both parties," Special Olympics director of programs Ellen Pikula said. "I think it gives our truly gifted athletes the opportunity to play against individuals that are of like abilities, but of more importance, it allows for people to get to know each other as teammates and friends without any stigmas."
 
"The true impact is the bond of athlete-to-athlete that can really only occur during a competition," Pikula continued. "The hope is that this carries over off the court."
 
This is the third year that the New Paltz 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.
 
"New Paltz is such a joy to work with because the student-athletes from SAAC and the students in general are incredibly accepting, helpful and sincere in their efforts at creating a fantastic event," Pikula expressed. "There has never been a time where we have made any request, no matter how small, that has gone unanswered." 

The teams competed throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., completing a full, tournament-style bracket. Student-athletes were scattered around the Athletics & Wellness Center working as referees, managing the scoring tables and inserting themselves into the Special Olympics community.
 
SAAC vice president and field hockey junior Dani Ackerman said that emotional and physical involvement of the New Paltz student-athletes is critical to the success of the event.
 
"The Special Olympians are so grateful to get the opportunity to play with the student athletes here at New Paltz," Ackerman said. "There is nothing more rewarding than seeing these two communities come together to have such a fun, competitive basketball tournament."
 
Both Ackerman and Pikula were excited to see the turnout for this year's event. They shared that this year was really special because, being this is New Paltz's third-consecutive event, relationships are cherished between the New Paltz student-athletes and the Special Olympians. 
 
With the large student-athlete community joining in, the amount of support has overwhelmed the Athletics & Wellness Center and left lasting memories for everyone involved.