By James Tiedemann
The partnership between Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County (AMOC) and the Warwick Valley Central School District (WVCSD) began in 2014 when the district opened its facilities to allow for individuals from across Orange County to participate in various sports as part of the Thunderbolts Special Olympic Teams. According to the Special Olympic website, Unified Sports “joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.”
On Fri., June 4, AMOC presented WVCSD with a Community Service Partnership Award. The presentation, following the final regular-season game of the Unified Basketball season between Cornwall and Warwick, celebrated the seven-year partnership between AMOC and WVCSD. The district was the first to partner with AMOC whom they credit with paving the way for other community organizations to provide more opportunities.
“Without your initial partnership, this amazing community would not be in existence. People know you have changed the lives of countless individuals and families,” said Brendan Currao, an athlete on the Thunderbolts.
WVCSD was also the first community partner of the Thunderbolts to reopen its facilities to them following the COVID-19 restrictions. This was an important step in a return to normal for many of the athletes on the teams.
Representatives from AMOC also thanked three administrators for their role in starting and building the partnership these past seven years including Athletic Director Gregory Sirico, Director of Student Support Services Meghan McGourty, and WVCSD Superintendent Dr. David Leach. Sirico commented that working with the Thunderbolts and Unified Sports is a highlight of their day.
The Thunderbolts started as a track and field team, the idea originating with a parent who wanted their son to be able to participate in track. The Thunderbolts team was formed and has expanded to include teams in basketball, swimming, power weightlifting, and bowling.
Currently, over 150 athletes participate in Unified Sports throughout Orange County. This growth was due in large part to the generosity of the WVCSD allowing practices, coaches training, parent workshops, and the annual Thunderbolt Awards/Sports Banquet in their facilities.
For more information on the Thunderbolts, contact Holly at 845-629-2720 (basketball, bowling, and powerlifting); Stacey at 631-428-7645 (swimming); or Lisa at 845-781-8944 (track and field).
The ceremony concluded with all those in attendance reciting the Thunderbolt Team Oath: “I am fast, I am strong, I am brave, I am a Thunderbolt.”
Thunderbolts team member Brendan Currao presented the Autism Move-a-Thon Community Service Partnership Award to Athletic Director Gregory Sirico & WVCSD Superintendent Dr. David Leach in honor of the partnership between AMOC & the district.
