Jan. 16, 2009
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico Athletics Department and Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) recently announced a special partnership to strengthen and expand the joy of sport to athletes and families throughout the state.
During halftime at the men’s basketball game on Saturday, January 17, UNM Athletic Director Paul Krebs will join SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella, several Special Olympians and representatives from SONM’s Board of Directors to announce its plans to partner for 2009.
“The partnership with Special Olympics will build upon our current relationship with special programming, clinics and camps,” said Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. “Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are involved in many charitable organizations and look forward to this expanded role with Special Olympics New Mexico.”
UNM Athletics and SONM are in the planning stages of a statewide tour that will help raise awareness and boost the fan base of both organizations–helping strengthen New Mexico’s communities through the joy of sport. The partnership will also include a Play Day at the UNM Athletics Complex. The events are a vital contribution to the UNM Athletics Department’s mission of engaging the overall community and involving Lobo student-athletes, coaches and staff in life of the state of New Mexico.
“Creating a partnership with the University of New Mexico’s Athletic Department is one of the most exciting things that has happened to Special Olympics New Mexico,” said Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “We believe both sides will benefit tremendously, bringing to each other the best of what sport is about. We look forward to strengthening some things we have done together in the past, as well as add some new initiatives that will involve coaches clinics, fundraisers, and promotional events. The University of New Mexico Athletics Department is committed to our athletes and their families, and we are committed to them.”
About UNM Athletics
University of New Mexico Athletics is committed to student athlete success and competitive excellence by creating an inclusive environment, through recruiting, developing, and retaining quality people, providing a great fan experience, inspiring community engagement, and serving as a source of pride for New Mexico.
About Special Olympics New Mexico
Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Today, more than 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in more than 200 programs in 180 countries. Special Olympics New Mexico serves over 2,400 athletes, offering training and competition in 12 sports.