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BATH – J. Edward Knight recently supported Special Olympics Maine Unified Champion Clubs expansion into the community with a $3,000 donation.
The free year-round programs are dedicated to promoting social inclusion by pairing people with and without intellectual disabilities through shared recreational sports and activities, driven by the principle that playing and competing together creates a quick path to friendships, inclusion and understanding.
“They are no longer sitting on the sidelines. Instead, they are being seen as members of the community,” Sawyer Boulette, director of Unified Champion Clubs at Special Olympics Maine, said.
Special Olympics Maine is partnering with community organizations, like YMCAs, across the state to expand unified sports. One new partner is the Bath YMCA.
Rob Wheeler, president of J. Edward Knight Insurance, has had many years of experience with Special Olympics Maine. He said, of the Unified Champion Clubs goals, “What better way than joining forces with local YMCAs to accomplish this goal? This program is essential for people of all abilities in our rural state and can be adapted to the needs of so many different communities. Edward Knight Insurance and our employees are happy to support this program and encourage other businesses around the state to join us.”
Besides Bath YMCA, Special Olympics Maine Unified Champion Clubs can be found at Alfond Youth & Community Center, in Waterville; Kennebec Valley YMCA, in Augusta; and Down East Family YMCA, in Ellsworth.
Boulette said, “We are beyond grateful for our recent contribution from J. Edward Knight Insurance. We look to community leaders like Rob and his team to ensure ongoing program viability, provide new opportunities for people with and without intellectual disabilities and their families and offer free programming to all participants. Our vision is to implement this program into communities across the state.”
For more information, contact Boulette at SawyerB@somaine.org.
J. Edward Knight, celebrating its 125th year, has six Maine offices, in Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor, Vinalhaven, Rockland, Bath and Wiscasset. Visit www.JEdwardKnight.com for information.
PHOTO: Amy Sutter, of J. Edward Knight, Bath, presents Sawyer Boulette, Special Olympics Maine director of Unified Champion Clubs, a check for $3,000 to support the expansion of unified sports through Special Olympics Maine Unified Champion Clubs. (Submitted photo)
