April 27, 2010

UB Athletics Receives YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s Stewart Partnership Award

BUFFALO, NY – On Wednesday, May 12, 2010 the YMCA Buffalo Niagara will be hosting their 158th Annual Dinner Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, in which they will be presenting the University at Buffalo’s Division of Athletics with its Stewart Partnership Award.

The Stewart Partnership Award was named for Joseph and Sally Stewart, long time supporters and volunteers of the YMCA. It recognizes organizations and businesses who have taken it upon themselves to go above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the YMCA.

The past two summers, the UB Athletics department and the YMCA Buffalo Niagara have worked together to create a summer camp at Clark Hall on UB’s South Campus. The camp has given hundreds of city of Buffalo youth a safe and encouraging camp experience, while also learning about life on a college campus.

“We are extremely honored to have been recognized by the YMCA for a partnership that we feel terrific about,” said Warde Manuel, UB’s Director of Athletics. “The YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a tremendous community resource and provides a difference in the lives of countless Western New Yorkers, particularly through their “Strong Kids” program. We are delighted to play a small role in the many positives they bring to our community.”

“With the help of businesses and organizations like UB Athletics, the YMCA comes closer to achieving its mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities,” said John Murray, President and CEO of YMCA Buffalo Niagara. “The University’s Division of Athletics has provided significant support and resources to the development and expansion of YMCA programs and services of the Buffalo Niagara region.”

This event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner with the awards program. The conclusion of the evening will be approximately 9:00 p.m. The ticket price is $50 per person or $500 per table of 10 and those interested in tickets should contact Kyle Donaldson at the YMCA (kdonaldson@ymcabuffaloniagara.org).