BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The New York State Board of Regents has agreed to extend Unified Sports eligibility to students over age 19, much to the excitement of programs around WNY.
Outstanding efforts from all of our friends around Section VI to support this concept. Congratulations to all of our students and their families!! We are really excited to have this concept supported by the Board of Regents. https://t.co/yLF5m7IQyd
— CheektowagaAthletics (@Chtk_Warriors) December 11, 2019
Saw that earlier today. What a great accomplishment for all those that were advocates and for our students that will benefit!!! #UnifiedSports @SectionVI #FalconNation #BleedBlue
— Dr. Richard Hughes (@DrRichardHughes) December 10, 2019
This is very exciting news! Thank you to all who spoke up and advocated for @UnifiedSportsNY. https://t.co/4L5yaJyxG5
— Amherst Athletics (@AmherstTigers1) December 11, 2019
“This amendment represents a major victory for Generation Unified – the more than 8,000 students across the state who, by playing Unified, have chosen to make social justice, acceptance and inclusion a priority in their schools," Special Olympics NY President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman said in a statement. “Together with our partners at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and individual schools throughout the state, we will continue to grow Unified Sports and support the inclusive school communities our youth leaders are creating statewide.”
Unified Sports is one of the fasting growing sports movements in the world. It includes participation by athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing on the same team. In Western New York, unified sports compete in bowling and basketball.
