Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) and the Ridgewood YMCA are proud to announce the addition of an SONJ North Jersey satellite location in Ridgewood, NJ. On Thursday, January 30, SONJ and the Ridgewood YMCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide inclusive sports training and competition, health and wellness screenings, and continued support for the advancement of awareness and outreach for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across North Jersey. YMCA President and CEO, Ramon M. Hache, Sr. and Heather Andersen, President and CEO of SONJ, formalized the partnership by signing a 3-year commitment.
“North Jersey has continued to be a focus for the growth of our organization,” said Heather Andersen. “This partnership presents a tremendous opportunity for new athletes, families, and volunteers to get involved with our mission and will allow us to better serve the communities of North Jersey.”
Through this partnership, SONJ and the Ridgewood YMCA will expand opportunities to offer programming and benefits for the residents of North Jersey in many different areas. County and Local training and competition will take place on site along with the potential for SONJ summer camp, Camp Shriver. Other events may include Coach Training and Education classes, Healthy Athletes discipline events and screenings, Unified Sports utilization of the complex and facilities, Young Athletes community programs will meet, and much more.
Established in 1902, the Ridgewood YMCA is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Northern New Jersey and Port Murray area. We offer programs and community connections that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, building spirit, mind and body for all. You can learn more about the organization at www.ridgewoodymca.org or by calling (201) 444-5600.
“The Ridgewood YMCA is committed to creating programs that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Hache. “This partnership with Special Olympics New Jersey allows us to further that mission by providing more opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive, both on and off the field.”
For more information about the partnership visit www.sonj.org/ridgewoodymca and visit www.ridgewoodymca.org to learn more about the Ridgewood YMCA.