SONM’s Young Athletes Program receives grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
January 25, 2012
By Erin Gallegos

On Wednesday January 18, Special Olympics Ne

w Mexico (SONM) was awarded a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to support its Young Athletes Program.

SONM’s Young Athletes Program teaches fundamental sports skills to children ages two to seven with developmental disabilities. The program also creates partnerships between developmental preschool programs and fourth and fifth grade APS classes. The APS students act as mentors and coaches to the preschool athletes.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s generous support of our Young Athletes Program helps us expand the program in our state and advocate healthy practices for young New Mexicans with disabilities,” said Young Athletes Program Director Victoria Gonzales.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico awarded the grant to SONM as part of its initiative, Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, which seeks to improve the health of children in New Mexico through nutrition education, physical activity, disease prevention, and creation of safe environments. SONM’s Young Athletes Program emulates many characteristics that Healthy Kids, Healthy Families advocates by seeking to educate and improve the health of young athletes with developmental disabilities.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has been a longtime supporter of Special Olympics New Mexico through the Healthy Athletes Program,” said Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Spokeswoman Becky Kenny. “Our employees volunteer every year during the Summer Games to help complete health screenings onsite for interested athletes and family members. We are excited to expand our relationship with SONM through our Healthy Kids Healthy Families initiative by sponsoring the school-based mentor program, Young Athletes, this year.”

For more information about SONM’s Young Athlete Program, please contact Young Athletes Program Director Victoria Gonzales at victoriagonzales@sonm.org.