STRIDE Adaptive Sports to Receive Generous Donation from American National
Local Athletes with Disabilities Benefit from Strikeout Program at Siena College
STRIDE Adaptive Sports announced today that it will receive a generous donation from the American National Insurance Company. The check presentation will be held at Siena College’s lacrosse field on Friday, April 23rd at 4:00 p.m.
STRIDE will use the donation to help fund its 18 adaptive sport and recreation programs for athletes with disabilities. The funds were raised by the American National Strikeout program, which made a donation to STRIDE for every strikeout Siena’s baseball and softball teams pitched this season.
According to STRIDE’s Founder and CEO, Mary Ellen Whitney, the nonprofit’s partnership with American National and Siena College gives athletes with disabilities something to cheer about. “I’ve read from a multitude of articles that up to a third of U.S. nonprofits will close their doors in the next two years. Luckily, adapting to special challenges is what STRIDE does best, but we can’t do it without sponsors like American National who keep investing in the community during uncertain times,” said Whitney.
“Individuals with disabilities and special needs have been historically underserved. I’m proud to say that with the help of our resilient funding partners, STRIDE is offering them a full schedule of programs this spring and summer in Covid-adapted formats. This will include golf, bowling, archery, camping, tennis, fitness classes, yoga, hiking, and likely kayaking and whitewater rafting.”
STRIDE’s Program Director, Megan Evans, will be on-hand to receive the check. She added that STRIDE’s new community center will also begin to re-open. “We have this amazing new building called the SHARE Center in West Sand Lake. It is the first and only community fitness center in the area for people with disabilities. There is an anti-gravity treadmill for exercisers with mobility limitations, weightlifting equipment, a dance/ballet bar, and floor space for holding programs. The Covid pandemic shut down the center shortly after its grand opening, but with the continued support of our amazing donors, we will be slowly opening the center back up for use.”
Questions about STRIDE Programs can be directed to Megan Evans, Program Director, at 518-598-1279, [email protected]. Information on sponsorship opportunities can be obtained from Patrick Hayslett, Development Director, at 518-598-1279, [email protected].