the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood YMCA has officially signed a three-year agreement with Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) to become a northern satellite for its programs and services, expanding inclusive sports, training, and wellness initiatives across North Jersey.
A Game-Changing Partnership for Inclusion
Announced on Thursday, this partnership cements the Ridgewood Y as a hub for:
✅ Inclusive sports programs & competitions
✅ Coach training & development
✅ Health & wellness screenings
✅ Specialized summer camps
✅ Ongoing support for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities
This makes Ridgewood YMCA the second SONJ satellite location, joining Rowan College of South Jersey’s Gloucester County campus as the southern base.
A New Era of Opportunities for North Jersey Athletes
“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,” said Heather Andersen, President of Special Olympics New Jersey.
The Ridgewood Y is already leading the way in adaptive programs. In 2024, it launched a dedicated autism and adaptive program for young adults transitioning out of the school system. This initiative, based at its 112 Oak St. campus, provides:
🏊 Specialized aquatics instruction
🏋️ Fitness & enrichment activities (coming soon!)
🧩 Essential life skills resources
A Commitment to Inclusion & Community Impact
“The Ridgewood YMCA is committed to creating programs that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Ridgewood YMCA President Ramon Hache Sr..
“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.”
Special Olympics New Jersey: 55 Years of Excellence
For over 55 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round training and competitions in 22 Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
🏒 Winter Olympics: Floor hockey, volleyball (January)
⛷️ Snow Sports: Skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing (February)
🏆 Summer Games: Hosted annually in June at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ
Looking Ahead
With this partnership, the Ridgewood YMCA and Special Olympics New Jersey are set to transform the landscape of inclusive sports and wellness in North Jersey.
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Is an amazing how political the YMCA got