Special Olympics New York and the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (NY ABLE) are pleased to congratulate snowshoe athlete Curtis Waller from Farmingdale on being named the February 2024 Athlete of the Month.
Waller, age 65, has competed for the Free Lightning Snowshoe Club at both the local and state levels for eight years, earning numerous medals along the way.
“Curtis is always there for his teammates,” said his coach, Lori-Jean Farrell. “Whether they’re practicing or competing, he encourages them to do their best.”
To earn eligibility for Athlete of the Month, athletes must exhibit leadership in one or more of the following: Achievement in Sport, Sportsmanship (respect for coaches, officials, opponents, teammates), Character (playing by the rules, honesty, integrity), and Commitment to Improvement and Perseverance.
Athletes are considered for this honor based upon recommendations by Special Olympics New York staff, coaches, fans and the community. To recommend a Special Olympics New York athlete, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 300 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
About NY ABLE
The New York Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (NY ABLE) allows Eligible Individuals with disabilities and their families to save for qualified disability related expenses, without limiting their ability to benefit from federal benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. NY ABLE offers multiple investment options including a checking account and debit card option allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money. Earnings on investments can grow tax-deferred and are tax-free if withdrawals are used for qualified disability expenses. For additional information about NY ABLE, or to open an account, please visit www.mynyable.org. Eligibility requirements, investment objectives, risks, expenses, and other important information about NY ABLE is available in the Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreement.
—Submitted by Special Olympics New York
