Category: Central

For Michael Perhenic, becoming involved with Special Olympics New York started with a simple search online and eventually became a commitment he says will stay with him for the rest of his life.

Michael first became involved with Special Olympics New York in 2013, shortly after starting a new job and moving to the area. Being new to the community, he found himself looking for a way to meet people and become more connected.

“One thing that they tell you, or they don’t tell you, when you’re in college and stuff like that is it’s difficult to make friends when you’re no longer in a controlled atmosphere,” Michael said. “When you start working, it’s a little bit harder.”

Michael came across an opportunity to volunteer as a coach with Special Olympics New York. Golf coaches were needed, and because golf was already a passion of his, it felt like the perfect opportunity to get involved.

“We got involved right away, and then it’s kind of taken off since then,” Michael said.

More than a decade later, Michael continues to coach Special Olympics athletes year-round, with golf remaining his favorite sport to coach.

“For me, it’s golf,” he said. “It’s absolutely golf. It’s always been golf.”

Michael enjoys coaching golf because of the opportunities it provides athletes to continue developing their skills and challenging themselves. His goal with every athlete is to meet them where they are, help them build their abilities, and eventually help them reach the course.

“When you start as a golf coach or when you start as a golfer with me, my goal is to assess where you are,” Michael said. “With the overall goal of putting you on the course at some point in the future.”

That progression is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching for Michael. He loves watching athletes improve and accomplish things they may not have believed were possible when they first started.

“I like seeing people improve,” he said. “I like seeing people accomplish things that they didn’t think were possible.”

Michael typically holds golf practices twice a week, working with athletes at different skill levels and helping them prepare for competition and time on the course. His approach to coaching is rooted in preparation, focus, and high expectations.

For Michael, inclusion means treating athletes with the same level of respect and expectations that he would give any other athlete.

“I don’t act like they have a disability at all,” Michael said. “And I coach them as hard as I coach anybody else.”

He believes athletes should come to practice prepared, bring their equipment, stay focused, and challenge themselves to improve.

“The greatest thing that you can do for a Special Olympics athlete is to ignore the fact that they may have some type of different ability and just coach them as hard as you would anybody else.”

One of Michael’s most memorable experiences with Special Olympics came in 2022, when he had the opportunity to coach one of his local athletes at the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. For the athlete, the trip represented a major personal milestone. He had a significant seizure disorder, and his parents were understandably nervous about allowing him to travel because it was the first time he would be away from home. Watching him take that step and then succeed on the national stage made the experience especially meaningful for Michael.

“Seeing him accomplish that and then actually end up with a silver medal in the USA Games for his tier was really, really special and kind of unexpected,” Michael said.

While Michael enjoys playing golf during the summer and spending time with friends, Special Olympics has become much more than something he does in his spare time.

“Special Olympics has kind of become the hobby,” he said. “It’s kind of been the thing that has taken over my life.”

And that’s something Michael wouldn’t change. When asked what he would say to someone considering becoming a Special Olympics coach or volunteer, his answer was simple:

“Just do it. Don’t even think about it.”

Michael believes getting involved doesn’t just impact the athletes—it can change the lives of the volunteers and everyone around them.

“My life is better because I made this choice,” he said.

Over the years, Michael has watched friends and members of his community become involved because of the connections they’ve made through Special Olympics. He describes the organization as something that can quickly become a meaningful part of someone’s life.

“Special Olympics is a very sticky type of thing,” Michael said. “If you just get involved in it, it kind of wraps you and doesn’t let you go in the best way possible.”

Now, more than 10 years after first volunteering, Michael hopes more young people discover what Special Olympics has to offer. He believes younger volunteers and coaches are especially important to the future of the organization.

As someone who started volunteering in his late 20s, Michael knows firsthand how easy it can be to finish work, go home, and spend the rest of the evening doing nothing. But he believes making time to give back can provide something much more meaningful.

“Carving time for something like this is amazing,” he said.

For Michael, Special Olympics has provided friendships, unforgettable experiences, opportunities to coach athletes at the national level, and a community he knows he’ll continue to be part of for years to come.

“I could definitely say this would be something that I’ll be doing no matter where I am in my life,” Michael said. “Where I live, who I’m with, doesn’t matter. I’ll always be doing this.”

And after more than a decade of coaching, Michael’s message to anyone thinking about getting involved remains the same: Just do it.

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For Amber Mott, Special Olympics New York started with one athlete.

In 2009, Amber began volunteering with Special Olympics by taking an athlete to practice as his one-on-one. What started as a simple opportunity to help quickly became something much more meaningful. A year later, Amber became a coach in the Central Square area, where she met countless athletes and began building connections that would shape her journey.

“I started as a volunteer in 2009, taking an athlete to practice as his one-on-one,” Amber said. “And then in 2010, I became a coach in the Central Square area where I met a ton of amazing athletes.”

From there, Amber continued finding new ways to get involved. She volunteered at Polar Plunges, supported events across New York, and became increasingly connected to the Special Olympics community.

“And then I was hooked,” she said.

Today, Amber serves as the Associate Director of Development for the Central and Southern Tier regions of Special Olympics New York, helping support the organization and its mission throughout the region.

Although her role has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: her connection to the athletes.

“I think getting to know the athletes and watching, like, my athlete that I used to go to practice with become such a big part of Special Olympics” has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey, Amber said.

That connection has given Amber the opportunity to witness firsthand how Special Olympics can grow from a sports program into a community. Athletes, coaches, volunteers, law enforcement, families, schools, and supporters all play a role in creating an environment where everyone belongs.

One of Amber’s favorite memories came during her first Opening Ceremonies as a Special Olympics New York staff member. Held in Syracuse during the winter, the event brought together so many of the people who make Special Olympics possible.

“It was one of my favorite ones to see all of the hard work of everyone coming together for the one big event,” she said. “That’s law enforcement, volunteers, athletes, coaches, everybody coming together for that Opening Ceremonies.”

For Amber, inclusion is something that extends far beyond the competition floor. Before getting involved with Special Olympics, she says her perspective on inclusion wasn’t as broad as it is today. Working alongside athletes opened her eyes to just how far the organization’s impact reaches.

“My world really wasn’t open to Special Olympics until him,” Amber said, referring to the athlete she originally began volunteering with. “And then after that, it’s really amazing to see the inclusion where it’s everywhere.”

Today, Amber sees that impact throughout the community. From schools and law enforcement to everyday interactions.

“Everything you do within Special Olympics impacts not just the athletes, but the community as a whole,” she said.

And for anyone who has never experienced Special Olympics, Amber believes the best way to understand the organization is to see it firsthand.

“I feel like you have to see it,” she said. “I feel like going to an event, even if you’re not volunteering, but just going to be a fan in the stands and watching is going to show you everything you’ve ever needed to know about Special Olympics.”

She points to the athletes competing, cheering each other on, and the atmosphere surrounding every event as something that can’t fully be explained until you experience it yourself.

“It will hook you in. And then you’ll stay forever.”

When Amber isn’t working with Special Olympics New York, she stays busy with two of her other passions: camping and dirt racing. She serves as the ticketing manager for a local dirt track, where she spends many of her weekends.

But even outside of her day-to-day work, the spirit of volunteering remains a major part of how Amber views Special Olympics.

She knows firsthand what volunteers bring to the organization because she started in their shoes.

“The biggest thing is how much we depend on our volunteers,” Amber said. “That’s where I started.”

Amber says she reminds herself every day how thankful she is for the volunteers who give their time and energy to help make Special Olympics possible.

“We don’t have a lot of staff people here in the Central Region, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers every day.”

From volunteering with one athlete more than 15 years ago to becoming a coach, supporting events across New York, and ultimately joining the staff, Amber’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact that getting involved with Special Olympics can have.

What began with one volunteer opportunity became a career, a community, and countless relationships with athletes and supporters along the way. And for Amber, it all started with simply showing up.

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As the Associate Director of Program for the Central and Southern Tier Regions at Special Olympics New York, Dylan Drexler is dedicated to creating more opportunities for athletes across Central New York. Supporting Unified Champion Schools and community programming throughout the Syracuse, Utica, and Southern Tier regions, Dylan works to expand access to inclusive sports and help schools build meaningful experiences for students of all abilities.

With a lifelong passion for athletics and a background in higher education, coaching, and adaptive sports and recreation, Dylan was drawn to Special Olympics because it combines his love of sports with his passion for helping others. Although he’s new to the organization, he has already seen firsthand the impact that awareness can have connecting athletes, families, volunteers, and schools with opportunities they may not have known existed.

“I’m just here to help,” said Dylan. “I love helping and seeing people succeed.”

No two days look the same for Dylan, and that’s exactly what he enjoys most. Whether he’s building relationships with school districts, planning for the upcoming school year, or learning from colleagues across the organization, his focus remains the same: creating inclusive opportunities where every athlete can thrive.

At the heart of Dylan’s work is a simple philosophy: “Fail Forward.” He believes every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Above all, Dylan is passionate about helping others succeed and is committed to making a positive impact throughout the Special Olympics New York community. 

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For more than 20 years, Elaine Lindsey has been a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, embracing every opportunity to compete, grow, and inspire others. She participates in a wide variety of sports including swimming, track & field, snowshoeing, bocce, bowling, and cross-country and continues to stay active year-round. While she enjoys every sport, swimming and track hold a special place in her heart, as they allowed her to continue competing in the sports she loved throughout high school.

Elaine’s Special Olympics journey began when her high school volleyball coach started a Special Olympics volleyball team. After volleyball, she expanded into other sports, discovering new passions and lifelong friendships along the way. One of her favorite memories is earning three gold medals in swimming. An achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication she brings to every competition.

Outside of competition, Elaine enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks, going to the beach, traveling, and staying active in her community. She also babysits a child with autism and is always looking for new experiences. Special Olympics is a true family affair for Elaine her husband and son are also athletes, making the program an important part of their lives together.

For Elaine, being a Special Olympics athlete is about showing others that a disability doesn’t define what someone is capable of achieving. She encourages fellow athletes to believe in themselves, give their best effort, and never give up.

“Just try your best. It doesn’t matter what place you get. You can do this.”

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54 Medals Brought Home from Minnesota

Albany, NY – Team New York has returned home after an unforgettable week at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, where 82 athletes and Unified partners proudly represented New York on the national stage.

Held June 20-26, the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games brought together approximately 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from all 50 states to compete in 16 Special Olympics team and individual sports. Hosted at the University of Minnesota and venues throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the Games were supported by more than 10,000 volunteers and welcomed an estimated 75,000 fans in celebration of ability, inclusion, and community.

Throughout the week, Team New York athletes embraced every part of the USA Games experience, from competition and ceremonies to celebrating with teammates, families, and supporters. Their performances reflected the dedication that brought them to the national stage while highlighting the confidence, friendships, and sense of community that make Special Olympics so impactful.

Team New York returned home with 54 medals, more than half of them gold, capping off a week of outstanding performances across multiple sports and showcasing the strength of New York’s delegation on the national stage.

“The USA Games celebrate the incredible abilities of our athletes and the power of inclusion,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Team New York represented our state with tremendous pride throughout the week. While we’re thrilled to celebrate their success on the fields of play, we’re even more excited about the confidence they gained, the friendships they built, and the unforgettable memories they created. We couldn’t be more proud of everything they accomplished.”

Throughout the lead-up to and during the Games, Special Olympics NY shared the stories of Team New York’s athletes, coaches, and Unified teams. Learn more about their journeys below:

• Jacqueline Colone Goes for Gold at USA Games
• Jack Massaro Represents Team New York at USA Games
• After Conquering Sharks, a Confident Passero Heads to USA Games
• Coach Lori Jean Leads Team New York at USA Games
• Finger Lakes Aces Take on the USA Games
• City Hawks Take on the USA Games
• Wildcats Take on the USA Games
• A Whole New World for Unified Bocce Players
• Orange County Unified Bowlers Eager to Compete in USA Games
• Brooklyn’s Barrett Powers Into USA Games to Lift Others
• Nicholas Kenzie Swims Toward Gold at USA Games
• Central New York Officer Barry Banfield Selected to Carry Flame of Hope at 2026 USA Games
• USA Games Spotlight: Megan Brazell
• Western Region’s Kevin Anderson Prepares to Go for Gold at 2026 USA Games

Special Olympics New York extends its gratitude to the coaches, Unified partners, volunteers, families, and supporters whose encouragement helped make Team New York’s USA Games experience possible.

While the Games have come to an end, the impact of the experience will continue long after the final medal was awarded. Team New York athletes return home with new friendships, greater confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime as they continue training, competing, and inspiring their communities across New York.

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Jacqueline Colone has been part of the Special Olympics community since she was just 8 years old, and over the past 22 years, sports have helped shape her confidence, friendships, and love for competition. Jacqueline is a  multisport athlete from Canastota, she currently competes in Athletics (Track & Field), Snowshoeing, Golf, and Bocce, always eager to stay active and challenge herself in new ways.

Jacqueline proudly represented Special Olympics New York at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, where she learned the mini javelin for the very first time and went on to win a gold medal. This became one of her favorite Special Olympics memories and inspired tremendous personal growth both on and off the field. Now, she is preparing to represent New York once again at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, where she will compete in Athletics events including the mini javelin, 50m, and 100m races.

“Special Olympics has given me new opportunities and friendships,” Jacqueline shared. “I love training and competing with other athletes, making friends, and getting the chance to challenge myself.”

Despite facing nerves in unfamiliar settings and around new people, Jacqueline has continued to grow in confidence through sports and competition. Her dedication has remained strong throughout the winter months, where she built endurance during snowshoeing season and continued training with a local running group at the YMCA to prepare for USA Games competition.

Outside of athletics, Jacqueline is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers weekly at a local soup kitchen and with Meals on Wheels, enjoys spending time with friends and family, and loves staying busy through music, theater, camping, and art projects. She also plays guitar and enjoys visiting her sister in Denver whenever she can.

Whether she is competing for a medal, supporting her teammates, or giving back through volunteer work, Jacqueline embodies the spirit, determination, and joy of Special Olympics. As she heads to Minneapolis, she is excited to proudly represent her community, her teammates, and New York on the national stage.

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As the Law Enforcement Torch Run marks its 40th anniversary in support of Special Olympics, dedicated volunteers across New York continue to carry forward a mission built on inclusion, community, and support for athletes. Among them is Jessica Ellithorpe, whose involvement with the movement has become both personal and deeply rewarding.

Jessica first became involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run more than a decade ago while working at Jamesville Correctional Facility. Encouraged by a coworker, who was heavily involved with the organization, Jessica joined alongside several coworkers and quickly found herself connected to something much bigger than she expected.

“Mark kind of talked all of us into getting involved,” Jessica said. “He unfortunately passed away, so I stayed involved in his memory. And I just have enjoyed it so much that I keep coming back.”

Now, more than 12 years later, Jessica continues to be an active supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics New York, helping raise funds and awareness for athletes throughout the state.

For Jessica, the 40th anniversary of the Torch Run represents both longevity and hope for the future.

“I think it’s amazing that it’s been around that long, and I hope it’s around for at least another 40 more,” she said. “I think it’s a great partnership that we as law enforcement have with the athletes.”

She says the connection between officers and athletes is what makes the experience so meaningful.

“Especially with the work that we do, they really brighten my day every time I’m around any of them,” Jessica said. “I love being a part of it.”

Looking ahead, Jessica hopes the next 40 years continue to bring growth to the organization and inspire even more law enforcement agencies to get involved.

“Hopefully the law enforcement partners continue to grow,” she said. “And hopefully people continue to enjoy being a part of it as much as I do.”

One of Jessica’s favorite parts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is the sense of community it creates throughout the regions.

“It brings different law enforcement agencies together,” she said. “Most of the time we’re kind of split up, so I really enjoy all of us coming together and supporting each other through the run.”

For Jessica, one moment stands out every year. As runners approach Tully’s during the Torch Run, athletes gather to cheer them on, often greeting participants with excitement and handmade goodie bags.

“The athletes are there cheering us on and they just get so excited to see us,” she said. “That is just an incredible feeling.”

She added with a laugh, “And you can never go wrong with Tully’s sandwiches.”

Jessica says events like the Torch Run offer something rare for those working in law enforcement, a genuinely uplifting experience.

“It’s a very feel good day from start to finish,” she said. “In the line of work that we are in, we don’t get those days very often. So it’s nice to be a part of it.”

Beyond the run itself, Jessica is also participating in the organization’s “40 for 40” initiative, a fundraising campaign tied to the Torch Run’s anniversary celebration. Inspired by the opportunity to continue supporting athletes, she immediately wanted to get involved.

“When I saw it, I just thought any opportunity to come up with different ways to help raise money for the athletes, I was all on board from the beginning,” she said.

Jessica and one of her counterparts are currently working on organizing a fundraiser event to help reach their fundraising goals and continue supporting Special Olympics athletes across New York.

At the heart of it all, Jessica says her motivation remains simple, supporting the athletes and ensuring they always can compete, connect, and thrive.

“Just to be there for the athletes and to have a part in raising the money so they can continue to do what they love to do,” she said. “Everybody coming together and just having a good time, that’s what it’s about.”

As the Law Enforcement Torch Run celebrates four decades of impact, volunteers like Jessica continue to embody the spirit that has made the movement so meaningful for generations of athletes, officers, and communities alike.

“I’m very thankful that I am welcomed into this organization and that I get to be a part of it,” Jessica said. “And I hope to continue for many years to come.”

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2026 Games to Bring 1,200 Athletes & Coaches to Utica from Across New York

Utica, NY – The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games are coming to Oneida County June 5-6 in what will be the largest statewide sporting event offered for athletes with intellectual disabilities of the year. The Games will bring together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across the state to compete in six sports: Basketball, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.

Utica University will serve as the hub of State Summer Games, with Opening & Closing Ceremonies and most of the sports competitions held on site. Additional venues are Adirondack Bank Center (Powerlifting), Hamilton College (swimming), City of Utica (tennis) and Mohawk Valley Community College (volleyball).

In addition to the sports competitions, State Summer Games includes a signature Special Olympics New York Opening Ceremony Friday night and a Victory Dance Saturday night, where participants and the community come together to celebrate inclusion. The Games will also include a first-of-its-kind Health Fest, where athletes – as well as prospective athletes in the community – can receive free health screenings in dentistry, audiology, physical therapy, optometry, general health and social/emotional health.  

All State Summer Games events are OPEN PRESS and free to attend. The full public schedule is as follows.

Friday, June 5 

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Gaetano Stadium, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica 

Note: This event will be streamed live on the Special Olympics New York Facebook page.

Saturday, June 6 

Sports Competition at various venues, from approximately 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

• Track & Field, Casamento Field, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica
• Basketball, Hutton Dome & Clark Center, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica
• Swimming, Hamilton College Pool, 198 College Hill Rd., Clinton
• Tennis, City of Utica Tennis Center, 210 Memorial Parkway, Utica
• Volleyball, Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Dr., Utica
• Powerlifting, Adirondack Bank Center, 400 Oriskany St. West, Utica
  • Note: Powerlifting will be streamed live on the Special Olympics New York YouTube page. 

 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Health Fest, Hutton Dome, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica 

Note: This event is open to people with intellectual disabilities interested in joining as an athlete, as well as athletes in the Utica area who are not participating in State Summer Games. 

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Victory Dance, Hutton Dome, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica

The 2026 State Summer Games are presented by Oneida County, with support from the following partners: Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Utica National Insurance, Chobani, Mohawk Valley Health Systems, Gallagher, NBT Bank, New York Elks Major Projects, Bank of Utica, Wellnow, UFCW, National Grid, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Perinton Ambulance, First Student, BBL Hospitality, Northwell, Federation of New York Insurance Professionals, Save of the Day Foundation, First Source Federal Credit Union, Ward Arcuri, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Jersey Mike’s, Wrap Kingz, and New Era Cap Foundation.

“The State Summer Games are one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our athletes, and they are excited to be celebrating with a community that values inclusion as much as we do,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly grateful to Oneida County, the city of Utica and all three of the colleges and universities that will be opening their doors wide for our athletes, coaches and families. The 2026 State Summer Games is shaping up to be our best yet!”

To volunteer or make a donation to support the 2026 State Summer Games, visit: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/community/summer-games/. 

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This event will take place on Saturday, June 6th from 11AM – 2PM at the Utica University Sports Dome in conjunction with our State Summer Games weekend. Activities will include local health provider connections, individual/family/circle of care wellness resources, upcoming fitness opportunities, and of course, our Healthy Athletes screenings! 

People with disabilities live with significant unmet health needs and health disparities compared to the general population. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are more than twice as likely to die prematurely than the general population, and have significantly higher rates of mental illness, obesity, and other health conditions. These disparities are not due to the person’s disability, rather to inaccessible health promotion and disease prevention services: everything from fitness and physical activity services to health education delivery is rarely adapted to their needs. – Health Disparities of People with IDD, SOI Center for Inclusive Health  

Healthy Athletes provides free preventative health screenings and education to our athletes in several health disciplines. The screenings also equip individuals with essentials they need to live healthier lives, such as the following: New prescription glasses, toothbrushes, sunscreen, stretching bands, and earplugs, to name a few. We work with trained health professionals and student volunteers to lead these screenings. This event’s screenings will be led by the following clinicians: 

• Opening Eyes: Dr. Judith Archibold – Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region 
• Health Promotion: Dr. Meghan Klawonn, Upstate Medical University 
• Special Smile: Dr. Sarah Barry, Neighborhood Health Center 
• Healthy Hearing: Dr. Elizabeth Runnion, Nazareth University & Dr. Krishna Rodemerk, UR Medicine Audiology 
• FUN Fitness: Dr. Sarah Overton, Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence 

We’re very excited to offer our health programs to local athletes and hope to engage individuals with IDD who are not yet Special Olympics athletes to join and experience all of the incredible benefits that we have to offer! 

If you’re interested in attending this event – RSVP here 

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Central Region athlete Megan Brazell is gearing up to represent New York State on the national stage at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis this June!

A dedicated Special Olympics competitor for over 25 years, Megan has participated in a wide range of sports including golf, downhill skiing, swimming, bocce, and cycling. Now competing in golf, she’s training at Butternut Creek Golf Course with a PGA professional, preparing both on simulators and eagerly awaiting the start of the outdoor season.

Off the course, Megan works at a local daycare and stays active in her community through volunteerism and fitness. Known for her love of music, travel, and Syracuse basketball, she has built lasting friendships and confidence through her involvement in Special Olympics.

For Megan, the USA Games represent more than competition. It’s an opportunity to showcase years of hard work, independence, and passion while proudly representing her home state of New York!

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Albany, NY – Applebee’s is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to support Special Olympics New York.

On Thursday, April 16, from 5pm to 8pm, Applebee’s restaurants will host a “Law & Orders” night. Members of local law enforcement and Special Olympic New York Athletes will join the staff from Applebee’s to become celebrity waiters for the night. They’ll help serve tables, bus, and host for the night to help raise funds for the local athletes.

“We look forward to our Law & Orders nights each and every year,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Our athletes enjoy seeing their friends in law enforcement, and we all enjoy meeting our greatest supporters in the community.”

For a list of participating locations, please see below:

Capital Region 

• 255 Quaker Road, Queensbury, NY 12804
• 594 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144
• 2400 Cambridge Road, Schenectady, NY 12304
• 3 Lowe’s Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• 555 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 

Central Region 

• 3189 Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt, NY 13214
• 628 South Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212
• 3975 Route 31, Liverpool, NY 13090
• 221 Grant Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021
• 1794 Black River Blvd., Rome, NY 13440
• 4755 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY 13413
• 630 West State Street, Herkimer, NY 13350
• 300 Riverside Drive, Utica, NY 13502

Genesee Region 

• 1955 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580
• 877 County Route 64, Elmira, NY 14903
• 4207 Recreation Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
• 4401 Genesee Valley Plaza, Geneseo, NY 14454
• 8322 Lewiston Road, Batavia, NY 14020

Southern Tier Region 

• 3701 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850
• 856 State Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045 

Western Region 

• 4405 Milestrip Road, Blasdell, NY 14219
• 1608 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
• 5822 South Transit Road, Lockport, NY 14094
• 340 East Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750
• 3908 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048
• 3067 West State Street, Olean, NY 14760
• 4967 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043
• 1050 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.

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Anne Norby, from Dryden, New York, has been part of Special Olympics New York for more than seven years, growing into both a decorated athlete and a respected leader. Now 35, Anne is best known for her achievements in swimming, where she competes in events ranging from the 50-meter butterfly to long-distance freestyle. She also has competed in alpine skiing and cycling, embracing every opportunity to test her abilities.

Anne Norby found competing in the Special Olympics 50-Meter Fly. Photo Credit: Conor Lange

Anne represented New York on the national stage at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, where she competed in multiple swimming events, including the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley, and 4×50-yard medley relay. More recently, she took part in the 2025 New York State Summer Games at Ithaca College, competing in several swim events and proudly serving as a voice of encouragement during Opening Ceremonies.

Her contributions go beyond the pool. Anne is a member of the Southern Tier Athlete Leadership Council and, in 2025, graduated from the Regional Athlete Leadership Council in the Central Region. Anne also serves on the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Board and recently attended their annual conference in Minneapolis, where she had a fantastic time. Through these roles, she has spoken at major events, supported athlete advocacy, and represented her peers with pride.

Dryden’s Anne Norby lights the ceremonial torch during the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Special Olympics New York Summer Games. Ithaca will host the Games for the third straight year, beginning on June 14. Photo Credit: Devan Accardo

Anne has been swimming competitively since the age of eight, and she often describes herself as a “distance swimmer” who simply loves the water. Special Olympics, she says, has given her confidence, lifelong friendships, and the belief that her disability does not define or limit her. Whether she is competing, speaking at ceremonies, or joining the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Anne continues to inspire those around her with her determination and her joy.

Ithaca College. (2025, June). The heart and skills of a champion: Anne Norby. https://www.ithaca.edu/news/heart-and-skills-champion Special Olympics New York. (2023). Athlete of the Year nominees. https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/news/aoy-2023/ Special Olympics New York. (2025, April). Central Region Athlete Leadership Council graduates. https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/news/central-alc-2025/ Special Olympics. (2022). USA Games Orlando 2022: Anne Norby athlete results. https://results.specialolympics.org/usa-games-orlando-2022/athletes/anne-norby-8440666

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