On Wednesday, Oct. 23, representatives from Special Olympics Maine and the Boothbay Cornhole Classic joined YMCA staff to present a $10,000 donation to support the Unified Champion Club at the Bath Area Family YMCA. The donation comes from proceeds raised at the Boothbay Cornhole Classic, an annual cornhole tournament and auction that raises money for charitable causes.

"We're very grateful to the Boothbay Cornhole Classic committee for their support of our programs to help us empower people with intellectual disabilities in our community to discover their skills and experience the joy of competitive team sports," said Bath Area Family CEO Rob Gray. "The generous contributions by businesses and organizations in our community give us the resources to run these important programs to ensure everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, can call the YMCA their home."

The Unified Champion Club promotes social inclusion by pairing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities through shared recreational sports and activities. The Bath Area Family YMCA Unified Champion Club was established in 2022 in partnership with Special Olympics Maine and the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation and offers six-week sessions focused on different sports including Cornhole, Pickleball, and Indoor Softball, culminating in a celebratory pizza party in the seventh week.

"We are incredibly proud to partner with the Bath YMCA and support their Unified Champion Club, which is fostering inclusive opportunities for athletes and community members alike. The Bath YMCA's commitment to inclusivity reflects the core values of Special Olympics Maine, and we're excited to see how their Club is creating a stronger, more unified community," said Ian Frank, president & CEO of Special Olympics Maine. "A special thank you to the Boothbay Cornhole Classic Committee for their dedication in hosting such an amazing event—their efforts have made this donation possible, and it will have a lasting impact on the Bath YMCA and the athletes they serve."

"Our Boothbay Cornhole Classic committee is dedicated to supporting charities that can make a difference in the lives of people in our surrounding communities," said Sawyer Boulette, Boothbay Cornhole Classic president. "We're delighted to share these funds to ensure Unified Champions continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. We are proud to support a cause that aligns with our mission of fostering unity and inclusion through friendly competition."