Ranzenhofer Joins Special Olympics NY to Announce Expanded Program

Lancaster, NY - Special Olympics New York and Senator Ranzenhofer announced a $200,000 budget appropriation in support of Unifed Champion Schools.

"The Unified Champion Schools program promotes inclusiveness and respect by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to compete in sports, and it is making a difference in our schools. The interscholastic program is credited with reducing bullying. I am proud to support Special Olympics New York and secure state funding for this important program," said Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer.

Unified Champion Schools promotes social inlusion through shared sports training and competitive experiences. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance, respect and human dignity. 

Currently, 105 schools offer the program, with nearly 1,500 students participating on Unified teams and over 1,200 trained youth leaders.