Local YMCA offers free memberships to Special Olympic athletes

Special to The News-Messenger
·2 min read
The YMCA of Sandusky County is one of the YMCAs working with the Special Olympics Ohio to provide memberships at no cost to registered athletes.
The YMCA of Sandusky County is one of the YMCAs working with the Special Olympics Ohio to provide memberships at no cost to registered athletes.

FREMONT - Special Olympics Ohio and the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs (Ohio YMCA) announcedthat they are partnering to provide memberships at no cost for registered athletes and approved privateproviders who meet certain eligibility criteria.

“This is an incredible partnership to benefit our athletes and community-based organizations,” SpecialOlympics Ohio CEO Jessica Stewart said. “Not only will our athletes be able to enjoy the benefits ofexercise, but they will also be able to spend time training for their year-round competitions. Our athleteswill have the ability to improve all aspects of their lives through the opportunities our Ohio YMCAs have tooffer.”

To be eligible, each Special Olympics athlete will be contacted by their local community-based organization andinstructed to fill out a request form. Once it is indicated that the athlete has a current physical on file andis in good standing, they will receive a confirmation letter from their local organization. This approval,either digitally or on letterhead, can then be brought to one of the participating Ohio YMCAs including theYMCA of Sandusky County.

In addition to the free membership, Special Olympics athletes will receive one personal training session at no charge.

Training and meeting space will be available at no charge for athletes as well as volunteer andemployment opportunities. Special Olympics Ohio will offer training in diversity, equity, and inclusion as well asother educational training opportunities for the YMCA staff at no charge. Special Olympics Ohio will also help with funding and resources for YMCA facility enhancements and/or equipment for athletes’ and members’ use.

YMCA of Sandusky County CEO Jeremiah Wagner added, “We are thrilled to partner with an organizationwhose mission aligns so well with our own. One of the YMCA’s goals is to ensure that all Special Olympic athletes are given the resources they need to thrive within and outside of their sport. This new partnership will not only allow the athletes to grow their sport-specific skills, but also become educated on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle as well as be provided a space to connect with their community.”

Fremont Police officer Michael Kennedy leads a group of police officers and people from Sandusky County Developmental Disabilities through the streets of Fremont Thursday for one of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Runs for the Special Olympics.
Fremont Police officer Michael Kennedy leads a group of police officers and people from Sandusky County Developmental Disabilities through the streets of Fremont Thursday for one of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Runs for the Special Olympics.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Local YMCA to provide free memberships to Special Olympic athletes