Category: Genesee
“Tom Golisano’s most recent investment in health equity for people with disabilities is nothing short of groundbreaking. The Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute is a vision that can and should shape the future a national healthcare system that has neglected this beloved population for far too long.
“Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities do not have access to equitable, effective healthcare services, and die on average 16 years sooner than the general population. Special Olympics has been filling this void for more than 20 years by providing free health screenings and medical referrals for athletes, with the help of trained clinicians and professional partners – Golisano Foundation chief among them.
“We applaud Tom Golisano for his continued dedication to improving the lives of people with IDD, and we look forward to the game-changing contributions this new Institute is certain to make.”
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In Partnership with NY ABLE
Fairport, NY – Special Olympics New York and the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (NY ABLE) are pleased to congratulate alpine skiing athlete Paige Ditzel from Fairport on being named the March 2024 Athlete of the Month.
Ditzel, age 21, skis with the Bristol Comets training club. Beyond skiing, she’s competed with Special Olympics New York for more than 10 years, trying sports such as swimming, snowshoe, track and field, along with Unified basketball and bowling. Off the field of play, Paige serves on the Genesee Region Athlete Leadership Council. Next year, she’ll be competing in alpine skiing at World Games in Torino, Italy.
“Paige is one of the brightest young stars in our organization,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Whether on the slopes, in her school community, or at leadership summits, she’s constantly striving for the very best.”
To earn eligibility for Athlete of the Month, athletes must exhibit leadership in one or more of the following: Achievement in Sport, Sportsmanship (respect for coaches, officials, opponents, teammates), Character (playing by the rules, honesty, integrity), and Commitment to Improvement and Perseverance.
Athletes are considered for this honor based upon recommendations by Special Olympics New York staff, coaches, fans and the community. To recommend a Special Olympics New York athlete, click here.
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Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce that 36 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations around the state will participate in the Day and Month of Giving campaigns for the third consecutive year.
Throughout March, customers can donate to Special Olympics NY at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants. The campaign culminates with a Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 27, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales to the athletes of Special Olympics NY.
“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales—every penny—goes to help a great local cause,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO.
“Jersey Mike’s is a true champion of champions,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Every dollar donated during the Month of Giving—and every dollar spent at partner locations March 27—will help change lives for people with intellectual differences. Our athletes, families, and supporters look forward to celebrating inclusion with Jersey Mike’s all month long.”
Find a list of participating locations by region below:
Central Region
- 3528 West Genesee St. Fairmont, NY 13219
Long Island Region
- 6224 Jericho Turnpike, Commack
- 280A Middle Country Road, Selden
- 601 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma
- 15 Hewitt Square, East Northport
- 1280 Broad Hollow Rd.(Rt 110), Farmingdale
- 5050 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa Park
- 155 West Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst
- 586 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge
- 4600 Nesconset Hwy., Port Jefferson Station
- 2756 Sunrise Hwy, Bellmore
- 512 Commack Rd, Deer Park
- 1113 Route 25A, Stony Brook
- 585 Main Street (Montauk Highway), Bay Shore
- 410 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge
- 988 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale
- 202 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place
- 2345 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park
- 180 W Old Country Road, Hicksville
- 51 E Merrick Road, Freeport
- 869 Montauk Highway, Bayport
- 7 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station
- 621A Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead
- 4025C Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage
- 24 Atlantic Ave, Oceanside
- 643 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook
- 800 Montauk Highway, Shirley
- 357 Route 25A, Rocky Point
- 1034 Willis Avenue, Albertson
Genesee Region
- 8379 Lewiston Road, Batavia, 14020
- 2838 West Ridge Road, Greece, 14626
- 1642 County Road 64, Suite H-2B, Horseheads, 14845
- 2780 Monroe Avenue, Suite #207, Rochester, 14618
- 1233 East Ridge Road, Rochester, 14621
- 20 Spencerport Road, Rochester, 14606
- 405 Commerce Drive, Suite 200, Victor, 14564
- 975 Ridge Road, Webster, 14580
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Winner to be Honored June 9 at State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies
Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce nine finalists for the 2023 Athlete of the Year Award. The winner of this prestigious honor will be celebrated at the 2023 State Summer Games in Ithaca, NY during Opening Ceremonies Friday, June 9, at Ithaca College.
“These nine nominees are the epitome of what it means to be a Special Olympics athlete,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “They compete, they lead, they fundraise, and they advocate, all in the spirit of our movement. We congratulate them all on this tremendous accomplishment, and we look forward to announcing the winner.”
To qualify for this award, nominees must fulfill extensive criteria, including at least five years of training and competition experience with Special Olympics NY. They must also participate in at least three sports and at least two competitions throughout the year.
The nominees are as follows:
Tom Mooney, Capital District Region: Hailing from Troy and competing in numerous sports, Tom Mooney has been a Special Olympics NY athlete for 26 years. During that time, he’s competed at the local, state, and national level, most recently earning several medals at the 2022 USA Games. Off the field, Tom also works as an Athlete Leadership Council member, a social media intern for our headquarters office, and a representative on the National Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee.
Jordan Root, Genesee Region: Not only is Jordan Root a star bowler, golfer, and soccer player—he’s also a dedicated athlete leader and fundraiser. He’s been a longtime member of the Genesee Region Athlete Leadership Council, and on this year’s Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving, Jordan personally made deliveries to local businesses. He’s been a Special Olympics New York athlete for seven years.
James Jewett, Central Region: As a four-sport athlete and member of his local Athlete Leadership Council, James “JJ” Jewett inspires not only with his athletic performance, but with his public speaking ability. His story of perseverance at our Winter Games Press Conference was so moving that he was invited to deliver it again at Opening Ceremonies.
Richard Fishwick, Hudson Valley Region: Over his 12 years with Special Olympics NY, Richard Fishwick has competed in basketball, softball, bowling, and track & field, finding success in each sport. He’s also an influential leader in his community, both with his fellow teammates and with his dedicated membership on the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council. Richard’s nomination form describes him perfectly: “He is an individual who leads by example.”
Matthew Schuster, Long Island Region: Matthew has been a Special Olympics New York athlete since he was eight years old. Now, at 40, he’s expanded his role even further. From competing in swimming, floor hockey, softball, golf, and basketball to volunteering at his regional office and our State Games, Matthew is a pillar of our community.
Erik Viscardo, North Country Region: Erik competes in a remarkable array of Special Olympics events, including bowling, snow shoeing, downhill skiing, bocce, fitness, and our Move Challenge. In addition, he’s a dedicated member of the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council, traveling more than four hours to attend meetings.
Jonathan Beiner, New York City Region: Jonathan is a leader in our organization in so many ways. As an athlete, he competes in five sports. As a fundraiser, he’s consistently one of the top earners for the Rockaway Polar Plunge. As an advocate, he recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak at Capitol Hill Day.
Anne Norby, Southern Tier Region: Though Anne has only competed with us for five years, she has already made an incredible impact. In addition to being an alpine skier, cyclist, and swimmer, she’s one of the founding members of the Southern Tier’s Athlete Leadership Council. Anne represented New York at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida, distinguishing herself in the swimming competition.
Ronald Ward, Western Region: As stated in his nomination form, Ronald “embodies the Special Olympics Athlete Oath” of being brave in the attempt. With more than 25 years of experience in softball, bowling, and bocce, he always conducts himself with class and integrity. Off the field, you can always find him fundraising for his fellow athletes, as well as advocating on his regional leadership council.
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19 Local Athletes, Unified Partners & Coaches Earn Opportunity of a Lifetime with Special Olympics USA
Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York today announced that 19 of its athletes, unified partners and coaches have been named to Special Olympics USA, the national team that will compete at World Games in Berlin, Germany, June 17-25, 2023. Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter sports.
The Games are a flagship of the global Special Olympics movement, which is known for its ability to transcend the boundaries of geography, nationality, culture, religion, politics and more by bringing communities together in a celebration of inclusion, equality and acceptance.
“Special Olympics World Games are the opportunity of a lifetime for athletes with intellectual differences as well as the unified partners and coaches who compete at their side,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are proud to see so many of our talented New York athletes selected to represent Special Olympics USA on the world stage. I know all of New York will be cheering them on in June when they go for the gold.”
Special Olympics USA is comprised of 201 athletes, coaches and staff from Special Olympics chapters across the country. The national team will compete in 14 of the 26 sports offered, and it will include 8 Unified Sports® teams, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete together as teammates.
Competing from New York will be the following:
City Hawks Team of Manhattan (Unified Soccer): The City Hawks team includes students and alumni from P721M and Harvest Collegiate High Schools in Manhattan. The team has participated in Special Olympics for more than a decade, with increasing success at the local, state, national and world level, most recently going undefeated and winning the gold medal for New York at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, FL. Through the years, the City Hawks have given their school an identity and a sports mascot for the first time. The City Hawks have established an unprecedented culture of inclusion for students with disabilities in New York City.
Sean O’Rourke, 45, of Northport (Cycling): Sean has been a Special Olympics New York athlete since age 13. He completed the IRONMAN Lake Placid in 14 hours. He has also finished two IRONMAN 70.3 events, the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. In 2003, Sean competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Ireland. He has also competed in the 2014 and 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. His most memorable competition was at his first State Fall Games, when he got a flat tire with one mile left in his cycling race. Driven by a desire to finish the race, he picked up the bike, put it over his shoulder and ran the last mile carrying it. Sean trains with the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, one of the first inclusive running clubs in the United States for all athletes. Through his training, Sean met his wife, Pavla, who has supported Sean as his coach. Spending most of his time training or with his family, Sean is already training his son, Sean, for a future career in athletics. For the past 11 years, he has worked as a full-time prep cook at Briston Assisted Living.
Amanda Vito, 42, of Penfield (Unified Golf): Amanda has competed with Special Olympics New York for the past 20 years in athletics, basketball, bowling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, soccer, softball and swimming. Overcoming her fear of public speaking, Amanda advocates for Special Olympics as a Global Messenger. She has competed in athletics at two Special Olympics USA Games and in one Special Olympics USA Games in golf. This will be her first World Games. Some of Amanda’s most notable accomplishments include throwing the first pitch at a minor league baseball game, making the honor roll as a student and presenting an award to Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver, honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She is employed as a daycare assistant at a local YMCA.
Martha Pachuta, 62, of Perry (Unified Golf). Amanda’s Unified Golf Partner, Martha has been involved with Special Olympics for 40 years in many capacities, including coach, clinician, committee member and Unified partner. Although she has experience in many of the sports offered through Special Olympics New York, she is focused on Alpine skiing, golf and swimming. In 2011, she competed as a Unified partner in golf at the Special Olympics World Games and has attended two Special Olympics USA Games as a coach. Martha is a retired special education teacher and works seasonally, managing a golf course pro shop in the Genesee Region. In 2022, she was named as the first-ever recipient of the Annette Lynch Lifetime Achievement Award for Coaching by Special Olympics North America.
Stacey Weimer, 35, of Earlville (Cycling): Stacey has competed with Special Olympics New York for more than 10 years in bocce, bowling, cycling, snowshoeing, swimming and volleyball. As a member of Special Olympics New York’s Athlete Leadership Council, Stacey is a courageous advocate in her community. Active in many sports, Stacey is currently training for a black belt in karate and enjoys horseback riding. Stacey volunteers at ARISE, a living center providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live freely and independently.
In addition to the competitors above, Special Olympics New York Coach Christine Johnson, 57, of Staten Island was named to Special Olympics USA as an Assistant Coach in Golf. Christine has extensive coaching experience through various schools and nonprofit agencies. She has competed as a Unified partner in golf and bocce. A lifelong athlete, Christine leveraged her experience as a coach for Special Olympics USA in two Special Olympics World Games. Christine is a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer for Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the New York City Marathon. She teaches Adaptive PE through the New York City Department of Education. She considers Special Olympics USA the perfect combination of family, sportsmanship, camaraderie and competition.
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About Special Olympics World Games Berlin
Special Olympics World Games Berlin will be the world’s largest multi-sport event in Berlin in decades. It will feature more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from more than 190 countries competing in 26 sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, basketball 3×3, beach volleyball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, field hockey, football, futsal, golf, gymnastics – artistic, gymnastics—rhythmic, handball, judo, kayaking, open water swimming, powerlifting, roller skating, sailing, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. As the official broadcast partner of Special Olympics, ESPN will broadcast the Games across its TV networks in the United States and stream them on WatchESPN and the ESPN App. Learn more about Special Olympics USA at specialolympicsusa.org.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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More Than 200 Athletes and Unified Partners from US and Canada Set to Compete
Lynchburg, VA – The Long Island Yankees and Genesee Valley Splash are ready for a competition like no other: the 2022 Special Olympics North America Softball Championship.
Held in Lynchburg, VA and hosted by Special Olympics Virginia, The Coca-Cola Company, Virginia Moose Association, Sheetz, and Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, this four-day event features 15 teams and more than 200 athletes and Unified partners, all representing states and provinces in the United States and Canada.
“We’re thrilled to send two of our best teams to this competition,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We know they will show everyone how hard teams from New York work to achieve their best.”
The Long Island Yankees will send 14 players to the championship, along with four coaches and one chaperone. Their roster includes multiple-time State Games gold medalists and Athlete Leadership Council members, plus Special Olympics Global Messenger Daniel Fletcher. In addition to being a softball player, Fletcher has competed in powerlifting twice at USA Games. He also appeared in the highly publicized Be Brave apparel campaign featuring celebrity photographer Nigel Barker.
The Genesee Valley Splash will send several athletes ranging from 18 – 40 years old, along with their coaching staff. They established their training club in 2016, though some athletes have been competing with Special Olympics as far back as the 80s. This team showed their unparalleled resiliency in 2018, when they lost a teammate on the eve of a major tournament. After a vote, every player decided to play, including the twin brother of the deceased. Since then, the team has dedicated every game to her memory.
This is the first Special Olympics North America Softball Championship since 2019; the interim years were postponed due to Covid. Teams will arrive today, compete on the 16th and 17th, and conclude with awards on the 18th.
For members of the media seeking interviews with athletes upon their return, please contact Casey Vattimo at cvattimo@nyso.org.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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For the first time in our 52-year history, Special Olympics New York is celebrating the Summer Showcase Series.
Centered around the fall season sport of equestrian, the Summer Showcase Series includes the Saratoga Horse Show in the Capital District Region, HITS Saugerties in the Hudson Valley Region, and the upcoming Hampton Classic in the Long Island Region. Though these are not Special Olympics competitions, they remain meaningful and high-profile events.
But why is equestrian such a unique and rewarding sport for our athletes? New York City Region staff Lauren Reischer explains more in this video:
@specialolympicsny NYC staff Lauren goes in-depth on Special Olympics NY equestrian. 🐎 #specialolympics #fyp #sportstok ♬ original sound – SpecialOlympicsNY
“We are proud to be offering our athletes this unique opportunity to showcase their talent at the most elite equestrian competitions in New York,” adds Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Thank you to each venue for including Special Olympics in their respective events.”
These competitions will serve as excellent preparation for our Fall Games on October 21 and 22 in Glens Falls. Wishing the best of luck to all our athletes!
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Students Met with Members of Congress to Request Federal Funding to Benefit People with Intellectual Disabilities
Newark, NY – Four Newark High School students and their Unified Sports coach joined Special Olympics New York leaders this week for 2022 Capitol Hill Day, advocating for federal funding to support Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusive Health programs.
Newark Coach Matt Groot and students Ammorette Laws, Sara George, Coty Coons, and Elijiah Malach shared their stories with Representative Joseph D. Morelle and with staff from the offices of Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Representative Ritchie Torres, and Representative Claudia Tenney. Special Olympics New York Athlete Alfred Ha, of Manhattan, also participated.
“When we meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, the people they really want to hear from are the athletes and students who benefit from our programs,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “So we called in some of the best of the best, and the team from Newark High School definitely hit it out of the park. We are fortunate to have such excellent athlete leaders advocating for Special Olympics.”
“I’m so proud of what this team has accomplished, on and off the court,” said Coach Groot. “Unified Sports is a student-led movement that has completely changed the culture at our high school. Today, Newark is one of the most inclusive schools in the state not only because of our partnership with Special Olympics New York but because of students like Ammorette, Sara, Coty, and Elijiah who have led us in the right direction.”
Special Olympics International CEO Mary Davis joined the New York delegation for its meeting with Senator Schumer’s office. She said, “For more than 50 years, Special Olympics athletes and youth leaders have defied expectations, broken barriers, and shattered stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities. Their continued work to build truly inclusive communities is only possible with critical funding from the U.S. government, which is complemented by private support.”
Special Olympics athletes, organization leaders, and supporters from across the United States participated in Hill Day, including more than 400 delegates representing 47 states and the District of Columbia. Typically, Special Olympics U.S. Programs travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with their state’s Members of Congress in person. However, due to COVID-19, all meetings were held virtually this year.
Special Olympics educated lawmakers and their staff about the stigma faced by people with ID, and how high-impact and cost-effective Special Olympics programming in sports, health, and education can reduce discrimination.
In nearly 7,500 Unified Champion Schools across the country and more than 250 in New York, Special Olympics has trained and mobilized youth leaders and educators to create more inclusive schools by including students with ID in all aspects of school life. Special Olympics also offers critical health programming where Special Olympics athletes receive free health screenings and year-round health and fitness interventions, and where health professionals are trained to treat people with ID to increase access to quality care for people with ID in their communities.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 51,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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Happy New Year! Before we look ahead to 2022, let’s look back at 2021. We enjoyed countless amazing moments, but here at 10 of our absolute favorites. Enjoy!
#10: Be Brave Launch
In September, our athletes rocked New York Fashion Week with the launch of Be Brave, a partnership with Special Olympics, the Parsons School of Design, and fashion photography icon Nigel Barker. Be Brave is functional, fashionable sportswear designed for athletes of all abilities.
The team also created Be Brave gear anyone can buy. All proceeds go to our athletes! Find it here.
#9: Amsterdam Earns National Banner Status
Also in September, Amsterdam High School earned National Banner status! This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools in the nation. Click here to meet Amsterdam Unified.
#8: Our First-Ever Esports Season
Three leagues, 26 teams, and 108 total participants. What a way to kick off our first-ever Esports Season! After that successful launch in March, we ran it back in June with a two-part livestreamed finals. Relive all the amazing competition here! And if you’d like to join the 2022 season, please contact your regional office for details.
#7: SEFCU Donates for Every Olympic Medal
In August, SEFCU pledged to donate funds for every medal won by Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. That became a $43,200 donation, which will help us send New York’s largest USA Games delegation yet to Orlando in June! Learn more here.
#6: Health Screenings at the Javits Center
152 medical volunteers, 146 medical screenings, and follow-up care for 22 athletes whose conditions might have gone undetected if they weren’t screened. That’s the impact we had at Javits in December! This was the first time we had all five health disciplines at an event in more than a year. Thanks to the volunteers who made it possible, and here’s looking forward to our next screenings at Winter Games in February! Learn more about our Health Programs.
#5: John’s Crazy Socks Surpasses $100k in Donations
Founded just five years ago by Special Olympics New York Athlete John Cronin and his father, Mark, John’s Crazy Socks has made a huge impact on our organization. Learn more about their amazing November milestone below, and see why there would be no John’s Crazy Socks without Special Olympics. Thank you, Game Changers!
#4: If You Don’t Have This at Your School…You Should!
Last January, we launched a video campaign that highlights the unparalleled impact of Unified Sports in schools. 90,000 views later, our fans still can’t get enough of it. Share the campaign with your school administrators to bring Unified to your school in 2022! Contact unified@nyso.org for more info.
#3: Fundraising Frenzy
Whether it was the May One Mile, Go for the Gold, the Summer Social, the Buffalo Sun Bowl, or the classic Polar Plunge, we had a blast with fundraising all year. Our sincerest thanks to everyone who made these unforgettable events possible! Click here to keep the fundraising going.
#2: USA Games Athlete Surprises
We never get tired of seeing reactions like this. Kathleen, Jonathan, and so many more Special Olympics New York athletes were thrilled to learn they’re going to USA Games in Orlando. Let’s go, Team New York! Relive all the surprises at this link.
#1: The Return of Fall Games
Not only was October’s Fall Games the first state-level competition since the pandemic began—it was our first Fall Games in six years! There’s no feeling like being #BackInTheGame.
Thanks so much for making 2021 an unforgettable year! Looking forward to many more amazing moments in 2022.
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$100,000 Donation from J. Michael & Alice Smith Inspired by Tom Golisano
Funds to Support Next Generation of Special Olympics Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities
Rochester, NY – Special Olympics New York today announced that it has received the largest individual gift the organization has ever received in its Western New York or Genesee Regions: a $100,000 donation inspired by the friendship of Tom Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc.
In making the gift, J. Michael and Alice Smith, of Rochester, expressed their thanks for the friendship that Golisano has extended to them over the years and their admiration for what he has done, and is doing, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It’s difficult to find a way to thank Tom for all he has done for us personally and what an amazing impact he has made on behalf of the special people in our world,” said Mr. Smith. “In this small way, we try.”
“I cannot think of a more meaningful reason to support our inclusive community than a gift inspired by friendship,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Special Olympics New York is honored to work with Mike and Alice to thank their friend, Tom Golisano, by creating more opportunities for children with and without intellectual disabilities to meet new friends and grow together.”
The Smiths’ gift will be used to support the next generation of Special Olympics New York athletes through the expansion of the Young Athletes Program, which provides inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities, generally ages 2-7. The program engages children with and without intellectual disabilities in activities important to mental and physical development, such as running, balance, and catching, while also teaching inclusion at a young age and preparing athletes for Special Olympics training and competition when they become eligible at age 8.
Tom Golisano is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication and commitment to building innovative businesses, supporting numerous non-profit organizations (including Special Olympics New York), and advocating for inclusive health and several civic issues. The Golisano Foundation is one of the world’s largest foundations that award grants to organizations providing opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities. Golisano’s philanthropic contributions, both personal and through the Foundation, exceed $300 million.
The Golisano Foundation has been a steadfast partner for Special Olympics New York over the years and continues to be the largest non-governmental supporter of the organization’s Unified Champion Schools Program, which brings school-age students with and without intellectual disabilities together as teammates.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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Country’s Largest Special Olympics Chapter Celebrates 50 Years of Sports & Inclusion
Albany, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has proclaimed tomorrow, March 6, 2020 “Special Olympics New York Day” across the state as the nonprofit organization marks the 50th anniversary of its founding.
“For 50 years, Special Olympics New York athletes, and those who support them, have cultivated a climate of inclusion that continues to grow throughout New York’s schools and communities,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are so grateful to Governor Cuomo for recognizing the impact of our movement and encouraging New Yorkers to reflect on the value of including people with intellectual differences on ‘Special Olympics New York Day.’”
Attached Photo Caption: President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman and Athletes (from left) Matt Graham, Kevin Brown and Ed Lawless receive “Special Olympics New York Day” proclamation.
The Governor’s Proclamation reads as follows:
Whereas, we all recognize the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and the benefits of lifelong fitness and exercise for everyone; since 1970, Special Olympics New York has been providing training in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with special needs and intellectual differences, giving them the opportunity to participate in challenging competitive and recreational events; and
Whereas, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country and the sixth largest in the world; the nonprofit organization serves more than 67,000 athletes, including children, youth, and adults, from all over the Empire State, providing them with an opportunity to compete in 22 sports, throughout the year; and
Whereas, in addition to these athletes and their devoted fans and families, the Special Olympics New York community includes more than 40,000 dedicated volunteers and more than 8,000 students in more than 220 Unified Champion Schools, where teams of students, both with and without intellectual disabilities, play competitive, inclusive, interscholastic Unified Sports; and
Whereas, this year, Special Olympics New York celebrates a remarkable 50 years of giving athletes not only the opportunity to play and enjoy a sport, but to become a champion; in the summer and winter, qualifying athletes come together for Olympic-style competitions at the exciting Special Olympics New York State Games that recognize a participant’s determination, training, goal-setting, and achievements and can even lead to the USA Games and the World Games; and
Whereas, today, on behalf of the people of the State of New York, I commend President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, the Board of Directors, the hard-working staff of Special Olympics New York, the athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, partners, and all supporters on celebrating the milestone anniversary of the founding of this dynamic agency which will long continue to instill motivation, confidence, and wellness in aspiring athletes with special needs, now and in the generations to come;
Now, Therefore, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 6, 2020 as Special Olympics New York Day throughout the Empire State.
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About Special Olympics New York
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 220 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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By Savannah Taylor
I spent Saturday, February 21st as a volunteer on the Emergency Medical Staff for the 2020 Special Olympics New York Winter Games. And let me say, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I was there from a little before 7 a.m. to a little after 10 p.m. Although it was a 15-hour day, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Because, now that I’m home and able to reflect, there’s one fact I now recognize as true: Special Olympics truly is what the name says. It’s special!
I witnessed athletes who care about more than the game. They care about the passion, drive, and character they put into it. I also worked with many volunteers who helped remind me what EMS is really about: Serving the community.
I can honestly say I would spend money to watch Special Olympics competition rather than watch any high school, college, or professional sports for free. Here’s why.
First off, I witnessed the most kind and caring people I have ever seen. In one game, I witnessed an athlete who kept falling down, yet a member of the opposing team helped him up every time he fell. The idea of helping someone on the opposite team astonished me. It’s rare to see that at the high school level. I was glad to see the caring nature of the athletes.
Secondly, every interaction I had with any athlete was lovely. They thanked me for volunteering, asked me questions, and were genuinely interested. Many athletes approached me just to express how happy they were to attend the Games. Honestly, seeing how happy they were made me realize how happy I was to be there.
And lastly, the group of volunteers I worked with taught me many invaluable lessons. I learned so much about creating a kind, friendly, and caring atmosphere, as well as new methods of doing paperwork and new ways of doing things to get around barriers.
It was amazing how this wonderful group of people took time out of their lives and jobs just to help the community. The volunteers had a positive demeanor with the athletes, coaches, and other staff throughout the event. They took their time and did everything they could to get the athletes back on the field as soon as possible. Many of the volunteers I worked with also reminded me why I love EMS and why I should never leave it.
All in all, Winter Games was amazing, and I can’t thank those who gave me this opportunity enough. It was so rewarding to be a part of Special Olympics New York.
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