"It is an honor to be chosen to represent my state and country in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games," said Special Olympics Team USA athlete Matthew Scates. "It allows me the chance to compete against new people and make new friends from other countries."

Special Olympics New Mexico it received a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) through its Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative. Because of our commitment to building inclusive communities for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities through our Young Athletes Program, we are once again partnering with BCBSNM whose Healthy Kids, Healthy Families vision is to help improve the health of youth in local communities. 

The Young Athletes Program (YAP) is a sports and play program for elementary-age students with intellectual disabilities. Children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities participate in this program alongside non-disabled students who act as coaches and partners, also called "buddies." These sports play activities aid in developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination for the Young Athletes, but more importantly this program helps to develop social skills and acceptance for both them and their buddies.

"We're proud to give our support to Special Olympics New Mexico as a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families partner," said Janice Torrez, Vice President of External Affairs for BCBSNM. "Through its work, we expect to see measurable improvement in children's health by engaging children with intellectual disabilities in activities that will develop physical strength and coordination, as well as foster meaningful relationships for all students who are part of the Young Athletes Program."

Healthy Kids, Healthy Families is a signature program of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. The initiative focuses on engaging children and their families in understanding the importance of nutritious food, raising the level of physical activity, improving immunizations rates, better managing chronic conditions and promoting safe environments. Likewise, Special Olympics New Mexico strives to improve the quality of life for our athletes by increasing their activity level, providing programs that promote health screenings and motor skill development at an early age.

Tim Shriver's new book Fully Alive: Discovering What Matters Most is out now, and he wants to send a signed copy to any Special Olympics athletes who would like one at a 25% discount.
 

If you order a copy of Fully Alive from Politics and Prose, and tell them you're an athlete, you'll receive a 25% discount using "ATHLETE" promo code upon check-out and your book will come to you signed.

To learn more and order a signed copy of the book, click HERE.

Great news, fans! Special Olympics' partner Finish Line-a leading athletic retailer- is offering an exciting challenge:

Through December 31, 2014, Finish Line will match your tax-deductible donation, dollar for dollar, up to a campaign total of $200,000.

This match will double the impact of every dollar you give. That means Special Olympics will be able to do more for our athletes...reach farther to engage new athletes...and show the world more than ever what people with intellectual disabilities can accomplish.

Your support of Special Olympics can help ignite life-changing opportunities for athletes in New Mexico and all over the world-especially now, when your donation will have twice the impact.

Remember, the chance to double your gift to Special Olympics ends December 31, so click HERE to make your secure, online contribution today.