Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) announced today that it received a $30,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) through its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative. Because of our commitment to give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to participate in competitive sporting events and develop physical fitness, we are in our fifth year of partnering with BCBSNM, whose Healthy Kids, Healthy Families vision is to help improve the health of youth in local communities.
"We're proud to give our support to Special Olympics New Mexico's Young Athletes and Unified Champion Schools programs as a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families partner," said Janice Torrez, Divisional Vice President of External Affairs for BCBSNM. "This program helps create opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to be active during the school day, while also building leadership skills for their non-disabled peers."
Special Olympics New Mexico's Unified Champion Schools and Young Athletes programs provide students with and without intellectual disabilities opportunities to participate in sports activities alongside one another during the school day. With the Special Olympics sports model as the foundation, Unified Champions Schools is a strategy that offers a unique combination of sports, education and leadership activities to equip young people to create climates of acceptance and inclusion within their schools. The activities and opportunities provided through the program help to reduce bullying and exclusion, combat stereotypes and stigma, and engage youth in social and sports activities that lead to personal growth.
"Special Olympics New Mexico would not exist if it were not for the strength of its community partnerships," stated Randy Mascorella, SONM Executive Director. "The effectiveness of our partnerships often times depends on shared values. BCBSNM and SONM have three core values in common – integrity, respect, and excellence. These represent how we approach our work together of improving the lives of those New Mexicans we serve with our Unified Champions Schools programs. It remains a privilege to work with people who represent their company's highest priorities and beliefs."