Through a partnership between all YMCAs in the Buckeye State and Special Olympics Ohio
(SOOH), athletes will be able to join and train at the local YMCA’s nine branches in Greater
Toledo. (The 10th branch is located in Adrian, Mich.)
Highlights of this partnership locally:
Registered athletes can join the YMCA at no cost
Athletes can join with a training partner (parent, guardian, etc.)
Athletes will receive one personal training session at no charge
FREE membership will last through all three sports seasons (Winter, Summer, and Fall)

Brad Toft, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toledo, said: “Our YMCA enthusiastically embraces and supports this partnership, and looks forward to continuing to build on the success of our organizations. Meeting the needs of the communities we serve is at the heart of our mission. This partnership will help ensure we are elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion work throughout Greater Toledo and the State of Ohio and help all people reach their full potential.”

Special Olympics Ohio CEO Jessica Stewart added: “This is an incredible partnership to benefit our athletes and community-based organizations. Not only will our athletes be able to enjoy the benefits of exercise, but they will also be able to spend time training for their year-round competitions. Our athletes will have the ability to improve all aspects of their lives through the opportunities our Ohio YMCAs have to offer.”

About Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, giving them continuing 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.