St. Bonaventure University will continue its partnership with Special Olympics New York by hosting a Unified Basketball Competition on Friday, April 17. Events will be held in the Reilly Center Arena on campus from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

St. Bonaventure students, faculty and local volunteers have organized an inspiring and fun-filled event for students with and without intellectual disabilities from Olean and Allegany-Limestone schools. Six unified teams of elementary and middle school students from each school district will be participating, along with volunteers from both high schools.

St. Bonaventure students involved in the program have undergone training to become coaches and mentors for the youth athletes, and are led by SBU physical education professor Dr. Paula Scraba.

This event is focused on providing the 125 youths with an exciting and memorable chance at showcasing their basketball skills and enjoying game time with their fellow teammates. The theme of this year’s competition is to encourage everyone to “Be the Difference.”

Organizers say those who wish to watch the event are encouraged to come and, more importantly, cheer on the athletes.

The event is free for all spectators, and there will be designated parking for those who wish to attend. For more information about this event, contact Shanelle Meyer at meyersm11@bonaventure.edu.

For more information or questions about Special Olympics New York, contact Robin Mitchell (Senior Director of Program) at 585-586-7400 ext. 107 or rmitchell@nyso.org.

St. Bonaventure is also forming a team to participate in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run sponsored by Special Olympics, to be held the morning of the Unified Competition. The Olean-area torch run leg begins at 9 a.m. at the City Building in Olean (participants should arrive at 8:30 a.m.).

The Torch Run will honor Trooper Ross Riley and runners will carry the Flame of Hope down West State Street to the main entrance of SBU and into the opening ceremonies for the Unified Competition.

Runners are invited to stay and cheer on the athletes as the competition gets under way at 9:30 a.m.

Those interested in participating in the Special Olympics Torch Run can register online or contact Ben Collins of the SBU cross country team at collinbc13@bonaventure.edu.

Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world. With nearly 62,000 athletes, Special Olympics New York is the largest chapter in North America and the sixth largest chapter in the world. Special Olympics New York athletes train and compete year-round in Olympic-style sports, the Young Athletes Program and the Motor Activities Training Program — at no cost to the athlete, their families or caregivers.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things.  St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #3 best college value in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.