Studio West 117 and Special Olympics Ohio Form Partnership

LAKEWOOD, OH – JULY 20, 2022Studio West 117 is thrilled to announce its partnership with Special Olympics Ohio (SOOH). This new partnership, effective immediately, will allow SOOH athletes and their partners an opportunity to train and participate in activities at the new Fieldhouse at Studio West 117, opening in the fall of 2022.

In addition to SOOH athletes training in a welcoming and inclusive environment, the collaboration also includes the use of the Fieldhouse at Studio West 117 for SOOH programming and events, as well as involvement in the Fieldhouse Art Mural Program.

Studio West 117 co-developers, Betsy Figgie and Daniel Budish, are excited to be able to help athletes and their partners build self-esteem and confidence, while supporting health and wellness initiatives and accomplishments. “It’s partnerships like this that help us keep the momentum and excitement of the Studio West 117 project running full speed ahead,” said Figgie and Budish. “We believe in the mission of Special Olympics Ohio and look forward to helping create a safe space for its athletes of all abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations to thrive.”

“Special Olympics Ohio couldn’t be more thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead with this new partnership,” says Jessica Stewart, CEO, Special Olympics Ohio. “We have no doubt this collaboration will soon be the gold standard of inclusive community partnerships globally as we all come together to lead the charge for respecting and embracing all.”

About Studio West 117

Founded in 2019, Studio West 117 is a collection of inclusive and affirming spaces that are dedicated to helping connect and support the LGBTQ+ community and our allies in Cleveland. In addition to a remarkable collection of nightlife, entertainment, shopping and dining, this area is the ultimate destination for members of the community to open a business, connect with needed services and foster creativity. When complete, Studio West 117 will be over 300,000 square feet of reimagined real estate on the Lakewood/Cleveland border.

About Special Olympics Ohio

Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sports, health education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition for 20,000 athletes, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. For more information go to SOOH.org.