News & AnnouncementsDuneland Family YMCA and Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County Celebrate Inclusion Through Partnership

The Duneland Family YMCA and Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County are pleased to announce a new collaboration that unites two community-centered organizations dedicated to inclusion, belonging, wellness, and opportunity.

The collaboration currently supports Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County’s aquatics program by providing access for athletes at the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus’s indoor pool. With strong participation in swimming and more than 15 year-round sports offered locally, the partnership creates meaningful opportunities for athletes to train, connect, build confidence, and experience the joy of sport in a welcoming environment.

For Jennifer Mohoi, assistant county coordinator for Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County and a longtime Duneland Family YMCA member, the partnership is especially meaningful. Her daughter, Payton, has participated with Special Olympics for many years, and Mohoi’s family has been connected to the YMCA since moving to Chesterton in 2011 through childcare, summer camp, swimming, fitness, and community programs.

“As a single parent, I relied heavily on the after school and summer camp programs the Y offered. I am proud to say that to this day we are still close to some of the young adults that took care of my children back then,” said Mohoi, and she hopes that other athletes and their families find that same sense of being “home” while at the YMCA.

Serving more than 400 athletes and volunteers, Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County offers opportunities that extend far beyond competition. Through sports, athletes build confidence, develop friendships, discover their strengths, and experience a deep sense of belonging, as do their families, coaches, and supporters.

“The partnership between the Duneland Family YMCA and Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County represents the very best of what community is all about,” said Dave Kasarda, CEO of the Duneland Family YMCA. “Together, we are creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to learn, grow, compete, and thrive in an environment built on inclusion, respect, and belonging. We are excited to work alongside Special Olympics to ensure that every individual has the chance to reach their full potential and experience the life-changing power of sports, friendship, and community.”

Mohoi encourages community members to support the partnership by volunteering, coaching, attending events, becoming a Unified partner, or supporting local fundraising efforts. No special experience is required, only an open heart and a willingness to be part of something meaningful.

To learn more about getting involved with Special Olympics Indiana-Porter County or supporting programs at the Duneland Family YMCA, community members are invited to visit www.dunelandymca.org and/or www.porcoso.org.