Coaches and volunteers celebrate 50th anniversary of Special Olympics New York by raising awareness and funds to support local athletes
SYRACUSE, NY – Dunkin’ today partnered with Special Olympics New York for the new “Go for the Gold” charitable campaign, which celebrates the organization’s 50th anniversary and raises funds for the many athletes it supports in the community.
Special Olympics New York coaches and volunteers collected donations at more than a dozen participating Dunkin’ restaurants in Central New York to help support the cost of athletic training and future competitions. Dunkin’ provided guests with a coupon for a free donut as a thank you for donating to the organization.
“Dunkin’ is honored to help commemorate Special Olympics New York’s 50th anniversary and help raise important funds for the organization which works to enhance the daily lives of numerous individuals in our community,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “We’re thrilled to partner with our generous guests to help Go for the Gold and support the many athletes throughout Central New York.”
The fundraising event will support the organization’s year-round efforts to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All contributions generated from the campaign will support Special Olympics New York programs for Central New York families.
“We’re so appreciative of Dunkin’s willingness to support our athletes with this event, despite the ongoing challenges that the health pandemic presents for businesses and their customers,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Our athletes need Special Olympics now more than ever and we would not be able to be here for them as we have without the help of our supporters and fans. Thank you Dunkin’ for helping us get our athletes back in the game.”
The monetary donations come at an important time for Special Olympics New York, which has been slowly and cautiously working its way back to in-person training while also continuing virtual training opportunities for those who cannot participate. The organization has been offering live virtual workouts and fitness video programs to help local athletes of all ages remain fit and active during the pandemic.
For 50 years, Special Olympics New York has provided sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in authentic competition. Athletes, coaches and the people who support them come together for the love of a sport and the thrill of a game.
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Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 14 years running. The company has more than 13,100 restaurants in 41 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.
About Special Olympics New York
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 220 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.