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January 30, 2025

Partnership to Provide More Opportunities for Programming in North Jersey

Ridgewood, NJ – 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.

“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.

About Special Olympics New Jersey:

For over 55 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in 22 Olympic-type sports for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge.  Through the joy and power of sports, athletes are provided opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.