Special Olympics New York announces $50,000 partnership with GEICO

Funds to benefit athletes in Western, New York City and Long Island regions

Special Olympics New York announced an expanded new partnership with GEICO Philanthropic Foundation. GEICO has donated $25,000 in Long Island/New York City and $25,000 in the Western Region, for a total of $50,000.

“We are so grateful to have such dedicated allies in not just one, but three regions,” Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman said. “With this generous donation, GEICO is ensuring our athletes have access to training, competition, equipment, transportation, health programs, and so much more.”

“Our local Special Olympics New York athletes serve as an inspiration to our entire GEICO team because of the dedication and perseverance they constantly display,” said Mindy Seibold, GEICO vice president at the company’s Buffalo office.

“We jumped at the chance to expand this partnership to help even more dreams come alive, and we look forward to seeing Special Olympics New York athletes across the entire state experience the spirit of the games,” added Chris Korkidis, GEICO assistant vice president at the company’s Long Island office.

A press release stated, “GEICO has been a long-time champion of Special Olympics New York, participating in ‘Polar Plunges’ in the Western Region and Long Island. Also in the Western Region, GEICO joined the ‘Buffalo Bowl’ and sponsored Spring Games. Since 2005, they've donated more than $400,000 to Special Olympics New York.”

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 200 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.