I am both honored and humbled to be representing Special Olympics New York in this year's New York City Marathon!

SEE WHY I CHOOSE TO INCLUDE THROUGH RAISING FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES BELOW.

For those who know me, I have spent years involved in sports as an athlete, a coach, an intern for international nonprofit organizations, and an overall fan. Though my participation in sports has done a great deal to quench my competitive spirit, my true passion lies in using the power of sport to facilitate positive change and opportunity in the lives of others.

Cue Special Olympics. Since 1968, this organization has been driven by the mission to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. It uses sports to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities by helping them develop new strengths and skills, find joy and fulfillment on the playing field, and create lasting relationships with people in their community.

I am fortunate to have recently been hired to work for Special Olympics New York as the Director of Program for Unified Sports in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and North Country. In this role, I help oversee our Unified Champion Schools program, which aims to promote social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. We use a three-component model, consisting of unified sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement, to bring together students both with and without intellectual disabilities.

I am proud to work for an organization that embraces ability and highlights ways in which we can all contribute so that everyone can find joy in the triumphs and learn from the defeats. I am grateful  to run for this purpose and I hope that those who have also been impacted by the opportunity to play, no matter what the level, will consider donating to the cause.