Community Residents Cheer on Athletes with Disabilities at S:US’ Annual Games
Day habilitation participants kicked off the event’s opening ceremony.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: [email protected], 305-905-1536
Parade, friendly competition, and family activities bring New Yorkers together to celebrate people with developmental disabilities
ASTORIA PARK – Celebrations and colorful banners filled the air as hundreds of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities took to the field today for Services for the UnderServed’s (S:US) annual Developmental Disabilities Championships – a day of competition, creativity, and community commemoration.
S:US supports approximately 700 New Yorkers with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), as well as people facing neurological and psychiatric challenges. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live, work, and participate fully in their community, S:US provides the housing, skills training, and support systems that help them build meaningful lives.
“Our Developmental Disabilities Championships and Family Fun Day is not just an event, it’s a reflection of our values,” said Perry Perlmutter, President and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “At S:US, we believe that supporting our neighbors with disabilities with housing, day programs, life skills development, employment opportunities, and providing community is necessary to create a New York where everyone is taken care of. We are incredibly proud to stand with the people we support and celebrate their strengths.”
The Developmental Disabilities Championships and Family Fun Day kicked off with an Olympic-style opening ceremony, featuring a parade with custom banners proudly created by participants with I/DD. The celebration continued with a wide range of inclusive and engaging activities, including track and field competitions, arts and crafts, and other fun, family-friendly events. Additionally, special guest and S:US brand ambassador Jaimie Alexander (Blindspot, the Thor movie series) joined the celebrations as part of her commitment to highlighting the work S:US does to help vulnerable New Yorkers.
“This event captures the spirit of inclusivity that drives our work every day,” said Monica Santos, Chief Program Officer of Services for the UnderServed. “The Developmental Disabilities Championships show what is possible when people are given the right opportunities and encouragement to shine.”
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About Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $315 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US’ vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.
