STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience while building meaningful connections within the community. Through a partnership with Special Olympics New York, CSI student-athletes gained valuable leadership experience while working with adults with special needs and helping create opportunities beyond their daily routines.
This year, SAAC President Angelina Guerriero and Vice President Marena Grenier led an initiative to establish a Special Olympics New York basketball team on Staten Island. Working alongside Special Olympics New York representatives Rebecca Bressler and Fatoumata Ouattara, as well as Residential Clinical Coordinator and team coach Jaclyn Crespo, the Eden II Special Olympics New York Staten Island Basketball Team was formed.
The program ran on most Sundays from March 29 through May 24, 2026. Guerriero, Grenier, fellow CSI student-athletes, and support staff helped lead basketball drills for athletes from Eden II residences across Staten Island. Participants eagerly attended each week to develop their basketball skills and build connections with teammates.
"Partnering with Special Olympics New York has been such a wonderful experience," said Guerriero. "Being able to establish connections that extend deeper than CSI's community is all part of my job as SAAC president."
CSI SAAC obtained valuable leadership experience through their partnership with Special Olympics New York
The season concluded with a Skills Showcase, where athletes demonstrated what they had learned in front of family members and supporters. The event featured six stations: catch and pass, perimeter shooting, spot shots, speed dribble, 10-meter dribble, and target passing.
Following the two-hour showcase, each athlete received a medal, capping off a day filled with excitement, pride, and accomplishment for everyone involved.
SAAC President Angie Guerriero assisting in a basketball drill during the program
"Starting new teams is always exciting for us here at Special Olympics New York," said Rebecca Bressler, Associate Director for School & Community Programs. "While we aim to grow opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across New York State, our true goal is to support their development both on and off the court. The Eden II participants had the chance to learn new basketball, social, and emotional skills while building meaningful relationships throughout the program. We are grateful to CSI and Eden II for joining us on this journey and look forward to seeing the program continue to grow."
CSI Athletics' SAAC plans to continue the partnership during the Fall 2026 semester and beyond.
