SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK 2019 SUMMER GAMES ARRIVE IN DUTCHESS COUNTY
Monday, June 10, 2019
Nearly 1,500 Athletes & Coaches from Across NYS to Compete
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — This weekend, Dutchess County will host the Special Olympics New York 2019 Summer Games, June 14 and 15. The Games will bring approximately 1,500 athletes and coaches to the area to compete in eight sports: basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Special Olympics New York athletes train year-round and compete in a series of local events in order to qualify for State Games. It is highly competitive – in 2018, more than 169,000 athletes competed in these eight sports, combined. Summer Games athletes have out-played them all.
“The opportunity to compete in Summer Games motivates our athletes all year, and we are so happy to be celebrating their achievements in Dutchess County,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “The Games are truly a partnership between our organization and the host community, and we are so grateful to the local organizers and supporters helping us to make the 2019 Games a success.”
“We are honored to welcome the Special Olympics New York home to Dutchess County,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “Following a tremendously successful Winter Games, thousands of athletes, coaches, family members and spectators will again see how we in Dutchess County ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ about individuals of every ability. From our exceptional venues, community spirit and overall inclusiveness, Dutchess County will again show New York State and the nation how to break down barriers and build a community of inclusion. These will be the best games yet!”
Mary Kay Vrba, President and CEO Dutchess Tourism Inc., said, “Our host venues: Vassar College, Dutchess Community College, Mr. Todd’s Gymnastics and Fishkill Bowl are gearing up for the Games and are ready and excited to be a part. We look forward to sharing with the 1,500 athletes & coaches and their families our community pride and all that makes us Distinctly Dutchess. We invite our community to cheer on these amazing athletes. It will be a memorable weekend and a moving experience for all involved.”
The 2019 Summer Games are set to begin on Friday, June 14 at Vassar College with Health & Wellness Performance Stations to prepare the athletes for competition, the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run leading into Opening Ceremonies will start at 7PM, and 8PM begins Opening Ceremonies, including a ceremonial parade of athletes. Vassar College will also serve as host of the Olympic Village, Healthy Athletes, swimming, basketball, tennis and track & field competitions, as well as Closing Ceremonies and a Victory Dance on Saturday, June 15.
Just prior to Opening Ceremonies, the Dutchess/Ulster Law Enforcement Torch Run will start at 7PM and arrive at approx 9:15PM to carry in the Olympic Torch to kickoff the Games.
On Saturday, the Games will also take place at Dutchess Community College (Volleyball, Powerlifting), Mr. Todd’s Gymnastics (Gymnastics), and Fishkill Bowl (Bowling).
#SOgamesNY: The full schedule of events is available online here.
Molinaro serves as the Honorary Chair of the Summer Games. The Co-Chairs of the 2019 Summer Games GOC are Mary Kay Vrba, President and CEO of Dutchess Tourism Inc., and Frank M. Castella Jr., President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Also returning is the Games Organizing Committee (GOC) who help organize the various aspects of the games, secure local community support and sponsorship, and provide a unique Distinctly Dutchess feel to the Games.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 150 schools statewide to offer unified sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. Learn more at www.specialolympicsNY.org and #SpecialOlympicsNY.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Robyn Armando, Vice President Marketing & Communications, (518) 588-3459, rarmando@nyso.org
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