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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:

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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How cool would it look to have Special Olympics New York athletes wearing the same custom caps?

Special Olympics New York has been partnering with the New Era Cap Foundation for the past four years to design the official cap of Fall Games. Throughout the years, one lucky athlete from Western New York receives the opportunity to design their own cap that all athletes participating in State Fall Games receive. Mackenzie and Jeff Koch, a sibling athlete-coach duo from Amherst have been passed the torch for 2026!

Mackenzie has been a Special Olympics athlete for over 10 years, participating in basketball, softball, bocce, golf and track and field. She also serves on the Athlete Leadership council to ensure athlete voices are heard at every tier of Special Olympics. Mackenzie’s favorite event is Law & Orders, where she teams up with local law enforcement and restaurant staff to raise funds for local athletes.

Jeff began his journey with Special Olympics at Amherst high school as a Unified Partner, continuing on to receive his coaching certification with a specialized class at Niagara University. Shortly after, he started his own team; the Amherst Wild! Mackenzie and her friends make up some of the 40 athletes on the basketball team, along with 10 coaches leading the way.

“It means everything to me,” Jeff said, when asked what it means to be a part of Special Olympics. “I love being a part of Mackenzie’s sports, I love meeting new people, I love the inclusion between not only the coaches, but the athletes.”

“It’s about friendship!” said Mackenzie. “I’m grateful Jeff could include me with his friends, too. I feel special about it, and I feel special no matter what.”

When it came to creating their own cap for Special Olympics, Mackenzie and Jeff agreed it meant a lot to each of their own journeys. They included different words representing what Special Olympics means to them both, including the most important phrase Mackenzie wanted on the cap; believe in yourself.

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After 30 years spent serving and protecting with the New York State Police, Greg Peron has found a new way to give back: through the lens of a camera.

Beginning his career in northern New York, Greg spent his first seven years as a state trooper before returning to his home in Western New York. He served in a variety of ranks, roles, and locations throughout the region, while benefiting from many mentors – including one who was deeply involved with Special Olympics New York.

Greg met his wife, Tracy, during their sophomore year of college while she was majoring in special education. He was able to witness her passion and dedication when she volunteered at events and eventually developed his own appreciation for the athletes and their families. “We just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary,” Greg said. “She is still a pre-school special education teacher and my daily inspiration.”

Through their journey together, Greg wanted to show his own gratitude to Special Olympics New York; leading him to the Law Enforcement Torch Runs.

Greg’s first Torch Run took place in St. Lawrence County late in the 1990s along the Canadian border. He attended a few more come the early 2000s, though his involvement with Special Olympics New York and LETR spiked in 2015 with a bigger leadership role he took on. Dozens of Torch Runs, Law and Order fundraiser nights, and presenting athletes with medals and ribbons started tying his heart to the community increasingly.

Recalling his most memorable experience with Special Olympics New York, Greg touches on the Western Region Spring Games in 2016. He spent time with a group of preschool athletes, noting how unforgettable their excitement, energy and affection was for everyone around them. Greg carried the Flame of Hope alongside the elated young athletes in the ceremonial Torch Run to open the games – creating a moment he’ll remember forever.

“I keep a photo of myself with three of those young athletes on my desk as a reminder of how meaningful that morning was and why I continue to support this cause.”

When COVID caused many instances of uncertainty, Greg took that time to spend time with athletes outside of their homes. Playing basketball or simply having a conversation with hopes to connect in the same way before the pandemic changed interactions with athletes. It was clear to Greg that many athletes were struggling after losing their beloved routines of training, competitions, and even time spent with other athletes that many call their friends. “Visiting in uniform and spending time together, I hope, lifted their spirits as much as it lifted mine,” Greg reflected.

Though the job may seem easy for some, Greg has faced his own challenges through his LETR journey. He notes that recruiting younger officers to carry the effort forward when longtime members seek retirement has been a difficult task. But from Greg’s perspective, each time an officer joins a Torch Run, they are given the opportunity to connect with an athlete and be inspired to get involved, just as himself and so many others have. Looking back, he can proudly say that he accomplished this goal through his own leadership.

Greg believes Special Olympics New York’s Torch Runs and Law & Order dinners help communities see that law enforcement officers are everyday members of the communities they serve. “I became a state trooper because I wanted to make a positive difference by helping people when they needed it most,” Greg said. “Now that I am retired, volunteering allows me to continue making a positive impact by supporting athletes and their families.”

“What I have learned the most from the athletes is how much joy comes from setting aside judgement and simply seeing one another as people who want to live, love, and have fun,” Greg explained. “That perspective brings peace to both the heart and mind. I challenge anyone to attend an event with our athletes and not leave happier, with sore cheeks from smiling so much. You will see endless hugs, high fives, and encouragement.”

To anyone considering joining a Torch Run, Greg says that even a small investment of time can make a tremendous difference in an athlete’s life. Though everyone nowadays is heavily focused on work, family, or other commitments, he encourages that it is a meaningful opportunity to run alongside fellow law enforcement officers with athletes and make an impact.

“So many people already dedicate themselves to teaching, coaching, and supporting these athletes every day. Teachers, coaches, volunteers and families need our help raising funds for the equipment, uniforms, venues, and supplies that make the athlete’s dreams of inclusion possible.”

Though his career in law enforcement had ended in 2024, Greg continues to make a difference – this time behind the camera, preserving moments that celebrate the achievements of athletes. For Greg, trading a state trooper’s badge for a camera lens hasn’t changed his mission at all. It’s simply a new way to serve; capturing the determination and joy that makes the Special Olympics New York community extraordinary.

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As a longtime athlete from Western New York, Nicholas Kenzie has spent over a decade training with Special Olympics New York. He’s ecstatic to travel to Minneapolis this June where he’ll make his USA Games debut in the pool!

For over 10 years, Nick has competed with the Chautauqua Lakers in multiple sports including bowling, curling, bocce, golf, and swimming. He’s taking his training to the next level at his local fitness center, swimming laps three days a week along with strength training to boost his endurance. Winning a medal in a competition makes him the proudest, not just for himself but for his entire team.

“Being involved in Special Olympics, I have a ‘chosen family’,” he said. “These athletes and coaches are like family to me. We gather together and support each other.”

Outside of Nick’s training schedule, he volunteers at his local YMCA’s summer camp, along with his communities’ Humane Society. Nick also has a big interest in history and current events; ask him a question about a president or museum and he’ll share some fun facts with you!

Attending USA Games gives Nick the opportunity to represent Team New York on a national level, bringing his small-town pride in Mayville to the big stage. His long road of competition has led him to work the hardest he ever has, and Nick is excited to show the games his dedication in and out of the pool.

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Every year, Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters gather in our nation’s capital to advocate for inclusion. It’s called Capitol Hill Day, and it’s an annual highlight on the calendar.

This year, students and faculty from East Aurora High School made the long journey from our Western Region all the way to Washington D.C. Their names are Sadie Freier, Cameron Jakubec, Tara Arnold, and Clare Cavanaugh.

Sadie is an athlete at East Aurora, competing in Unified bowling and basketball. Cameron, a partner, is the co-president of East Aurora’s Unified Club. Tara is the school’s Unified advisor, and Clare is a Special Education teacher at the school. Along with staff and athletes from Special Olympics New York, this amazing group spent their day meeting and advocating for the future of their peers.

“I liked sharing my story with the legislators,” said Sadie. “They were very nice. I got to meet new people from all across the United States.”

“My favorite part of the experience was being able to meet so many new people and learn all about their stories and how they got involved in the Special Olympics,” Cameron added. “[It’s amazing] that so many people are able to come together and travel to advocate for what they are so passionate about.”

And it wasn’t just the students who came home with lasting memories.

“Capitol Hill Day was an experience that I will never forget,” said Clare. “The Unified program at our high school, led by Tara Arnold, is the largest club at our high school, and it’s student-run. It is so beautiful to see the authentic friendships that have formed over the years and how our community embraces the Unified spirit.”

So what’s next for the Unified spirit at East Aurora? Sadie put it best.

“We still need to advocate for Special Olympics,” she said. “Because everyone should have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

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Every four years, all 50 states and several Caribbean nations send their best athletes and Unified partners to compete for the gold at USA Games. This June, Special Olympics New York is sending 82 delegates, including golf coach Kevin Anderson.

As a dedicated coach with Special Olympics NY, Kevin has spent over a decade shaping athletes’ lives in golf, swimming, and bocce. He has previously attended the USA Games in both 2014 and 2022. In 2024, he earned Special Olympics North America’s Outstanding Coach of the Year Award, recognizing those who best demonstrate the true ideals of the coaching profession in their local program. Yet for Kevin, these distinctions are secondary to the relationships he’s built along the way.

“It is great, the way a group of individuals comes together from all over the state and we become a team,” he said. “It’s a unique experience. The opportunity to mentor young adults and watch them grow to become not only better athletes but also lead fulfilling rich lives, is humbling to say the least…I believe that becoming a Special Olympics coach was one of the wisest, if not the wisest, decision I ever made.”

Together with thousands of coaches with Special Olympics NY, Kevin Anderson’s impact goes far beyond wins and competitions. His years of experience in various sports consistently shows his deep commitment to helping athletes grow in confidence and ability. Above all, Kevin’s continuous dedication to inclusion embodies the true spirit of Special Olympics NY.

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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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Nick Zmuda, of Lackawanna, New York, has been competing in Special Olympics for most of his life. He began training in figure skating at 13 and has since participated in a wide range of sports, including softball, basketball, floor hockey, track & field and bowling. Over the years, his dedication to sport and inclusion has taken him around the world, including traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, to compete at the Special Olympics 2001 World Games.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Nick has taken on leadership roles within Special Olympics. As a trained Global Messenger, he has spoken at events to raise awareness about inclusion and the power of athletics. In 2012, he made history as the first athlete to receive the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Executive Council Athlete Award, chosen from among all Special Olympics athletes worldwide for his dedication to Special Olympics and the Torch Run.

Nick Zmuda has also contributed to Special Olympics in New York by becoming the first athlete member appointed to the Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee, providing an important athlete voice in leadership. He participates regularly in community events such as “Law & Orders,” Polar Plunges, the Buffalo Bowl and Over the Edge fundraisers, helping to promote awareness and support for Special Olympics.

Our Special Olympics athletes pour their hearts into every practice and competition—pushing limits, building confidence, and striving for greatness every single day. But reaching their full potential takes more than dedication. It takes support.

Your gift provides the critical resources athletes need to train, compete, and shine on and off the field. With your help, athletes like Nick can continue chasing their dreams—and achieving what once seemed impossible.

Make a difference today by supporting athletes like Nick. Click here.

Your end-of-year gift helps Nick Zmuda and 48,000 athletes across New York train, compete, and lead with confidence, pride, and opportunity.
Give today and make a difference that lasts all year long, empowering athletes to shine both on and off the field.

Click these links to become an Athlete or Volunteer!

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An athlete smiles for a photo from the dugout.

For Brian and Tracy Warren, the Buffalo Hot Shots are a second family. So when they were chosen to represent New York at the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Softball Championship last month in Oklahoma, they were positively psyched.

Of course, making a long trip at such short notice isn’t easy. A team that started with 10 athletes quickly grew to 26, which made the 13-athlete roster a difficult decision for Brian and his wife/co-coach, Tracy. Nonetheless, they teamed up with their fellow coaches to assemble a great squad.

A Hot Shots athlete awaits at first base. “All of them were very excited for what would be one of the biggest events for them,” said Brian. “Their reactions were fun to hear, wondering who was more excited, players or parents.”

Once their roster was set, the Hot Shots got in their reps. They added a second day of practice outside their usual three-and-a-half hours of training, knowing they were facing other teams from the southern United States whose local climate allows for longer seasons. Brian always strives to make practices fun for athletes and coaches because of the bonds they’ve all built together as a team.

A Hot Shots player smiles in the dugout.

The Buffalo Hot Shots played a total of nine games in just three days while in Oklahoma. (That’s more games than some Special Olympics New York teams play in a single season!) The games started off with a rainy gold medal round, and the bats for the Hot Shots warmed up too late and ended with a tough loss, sending the team to the bronze medal game. Still, the Hot Shots were fired up, and nothing stopped them from winning and bringing home those medals.

“Seeing these teams battle, sometimes losing by a lot, but the friendships that are made are so awesome,” Brian said. “Special Olympics NY knows it’s a competition, but when the competitions are over, they will have a new friend when all is done.”

Brian and Tracy worked hard with their team throughout the summer to be selected for the SONA Championship. Other teams, players, and coaches tell them they love to see the comradery of the Hot Shots. And after such an amazing experience, they’ve only grown closer.

The whole team poses for a victory photo.

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19 Locations in 8 Regions Will Participate

Albany, NY – Tomorrow, Texas Roadhouse will team up with local law enforcement agencies to support Special Olympics New York.

On Wednesday, October 22, from 5pm to 8pm, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will host a “Law & Orders” night. Members of local law enforcement and Special Olympic New York Athletes will join the staff to become celebrity waiters for the night. They’ll greet guests and serve tables to help raise funds for the local athletes.

“We are so excited to expand our Texas Roadhouse partnership to a statewide event this year. 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.”

“Texas Roadhouse is proud to support Special Olympics NY through the Law & Orders initiative, where athletes and law enforcement team up as celebrity servers, raising funds and awareness for inclusion, one generous tip at a time,” said Emily Ivansheck, Store Marketer at the Horseheads Texas Roadhouse location.

For a list of participating locations, please see below:

Capital District Region

105 Wolf Road, Albany
820 US-9, Queensbury

Central Region

3143 Erie Blvd. East, Syracuse
20790 State Route 3, Watertown
3830 NYS Route 31, Liverpool
4511 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
140 NYS Route 104 E Ste. T, Oswego

Genesee Region

1750 County Route 64, Horseheads
3150 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester
3065 West Ridge Road, Rochester

Hudson Valley

2323 South Road, Poughkeepsie

Long Island

2571 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 100, East Meadow
502 Commack Road, Deer Park
289 Middle Country Road, Selden

North Country

356 Cornelia Street, Plattsburgh

Southern Tier Region

4399 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal
719-25 South Meadow Street, Ithaca

Western Region

900 Youngs Street, Tonawanda
3755 Union Road, Cheektowaga

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.

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Over 300 Athletes and Unified Partners from US and Canada Set to Compete

Fayetteville, Pennsylvania – Ten Special Olympics New York athletes and Unified partners are ready for a competition like no other: The 2025 Special Olympics North America Golf Championship.

Held in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania and hosted by Special Olympics North America with support from Penn National Golf Club, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Golf Association of Pennsylvania, WellSpan Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Penn State Mont Alto, Champion Teamwear, Coca Cola, PGA TOUR, and Topgolf, this four-day event features over 300 athletes and Unified partners from 22 Special Olympics Programs in the United States and Canada.

“We are proud to have these athletes and partners representing New York State at this unique competition,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We’ll be cheering them on from home as they strive to achieve their best.”

Special Olympics NY will send 14 delegation members to the championship, including two coaches and two additional support staff. Their roster includes the following athletes and partners:

Phil Isaacson, Athlete, Capital District Region
Jeff Isaacson, Unified Partner, Capital District Region
Edward O’Hearn, Athlete, Capital District Region
Theresa Lee, Unified Partner, Capital District Region
Michael Cardone, Athlete, Central Region
Jacqueline Colone, Athlete, Central Region
Ryan Goldacker, Athlete, Central Region
Chris Bovee, Unified Partner, Genesee Region
Missy Potter, Athlete, Genesee Region
Aiden Gierlinger, Athlete, Western Region

Competition takes place August 25-28 with awards on August 28. Delegations will join in an exciting Opening Ceremony on August 25. Competition will be offered in traditional and Unified Sports® team formats. Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Free health screenings for athletes and Unified partners will be available with Fit Feet (podiatry screenings) being offered on Tuesday, August 26.

For members of the media seeking interviews with athletes or Unified partners upon their return, please contact Casey Vattimo at cvattimo@nyso.org.

Questions about the Special Olympics North America Golf Championship should be directed to Rachel McQuiston, Director, Marketing and Communications, Special Olympics North America at rmcquiston@specialolympics.org.

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Over 70 Teams to Compete in 6-on-6 Flag Football Tournament, Raising $250,000 to Support Local Athletes

Buffalo, NY – Special Olympics New York is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the Buffalo Bowl, to Highmark Stadium for its 9th consecutive year. Taking place Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, the two-day 6-on-6 flag football tournament will feature more than 70 teams from across New York State, all competing on the same field as the Buffalo Bills.

Presented by the New Era Cap Foundation, with additional support from sponsors including Erie County, Delaware North, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event is expected to raise $250,000 in support of Special Olympics New York athletes. Other community sponsors include First Student, 95 Nutrition, Bflo Hydration, LaBella and Associates, What’s Next Eric DuVall Foundation, Excelsior Orthopaedics, and Dent Neurological Institute.

“This event is one of the largest and most impactful in our calendar,” said Erica Raepple, Senior Director of Development. “It not only celebrates athleticism and inclusion, but also ensures our athletes have access to year-round training and competition in 22 Olympic-style sports—at no cost to them or their families.”

The action begins Friday, June 6, with the First Responders Division. Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., and games will begin at 6:00 p.m. The tournament continues Saturday, June 7, with Opening Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and games beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Each division will be welcomed with its own unique Opening Ceremony, featuring a Special Olympics New York athlete performing the National Anthem and leading the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” These inspiring moments set the tone for a weekend of inclusion, sportsmanship, and community celebration.

In keeping with the spirit of inclusion, Special Olympics athletes will also be competing on the field as members of participating teams, exemplifying the power of unified sports to break down barriers and build lasting friendships.

All proceeds from the Buffalo Bowl support Special Olympics New York’s mission to provide inclusive athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to build confidence, friendships, and skills both on and off the field.

“Buffalo Bowl is my favorite day of the year! It’s even better than Christmas and my birthday,” said Amy Zelasko, Special Olympics New York athlete and long-time participant. “I look forward to it every year!”

Media are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please park in Lot 2 and enter through Gate 2.

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Category: Western