Metr. Saba Appeals for Support of Special Olympics Sports Camp

LIGNUM, PA — Metr. Saba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America, has appealed to clergy and faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese to support the annual Special Olympics Sports Camp at Antiochian Village, where Teen SOYO provides a week of activities free of charge for more than 320 athletes and coaches.

In an October 2026 letter, Metr. Saba highlighted the camp’s 46-year history and its impact on both Special Olympians and the Orthodox teenagers who volunteer alongside them. Now in its third generation, the ministry offers young volunteers opportunities to grow in love, compassion, service, and faith while assisting athletes during competition.

Metr. Saba shared his experience attending this year’s camp, including a conversation with Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne, who has participated every year. Claiborne described the camp as such a priority that she would turn down a White House invitation in August to return to what she called “God’s mountain.” She has met every sitting U.S. president during her lifetime and has received numerous White House invitations.

The Metropolitan emphasized that rising costs make continued financial support essential to sustaining the outreach. He encouraged the faithful to contribute toward the expenses of providing this experience for athletes and coaches.

As a token of appreciation, Teen SOYO will again offer an icon card, featuring Sts. Peter and Paul, patrons of the Antiochian See. The card serves as a reminder of the Archdiocese’s spiritual roots in the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

Donations to the Special Olympics Sports Camp can be made here.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba reflected on the cross of spiritual struggle.