Poughkeepsie...The Special Olympics New York Summer Games will be hosted in Dutchess County from June 14-16, 2019 and on June 19-21, 2020. More than 1,700 athletes and coaches will travel from around New York State to Vassar College and Dutchess Community College, as well as other locations throughout the county, to compete in a variety of sports.
“We are honored that Dutchess County will be hosting the Special Olympics games again and are thrilled to be working with a community that embraces our mission and vision.” said Shelly Nangle, interim president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “The support we have received from this county has been extraordinary, and it clearly demonstrates how important the Games are to this region.”
“Dutchess County is proud to welcome back athletes, coaches, and families for the state summer games. Special Olympic athletes remind us that obstacles and challenges can be overcome if we set goals, and choose to THINK DIFFERENTLY,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “We are grateful to Dutchess Tourism and Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for leading these efforts again, and we look forward to providing an exceptional athletic experience to all those who attend.”
“This is a very special opportunity for Vassar College to host the Special Olympics Summer Games. Vassar’s mission is to provide access to opportunities which inspire and help individuals learn and develop in order to lead purposeful lives. We join our fellow partners and families with athletes of all abilities from across New York State in committing to making these Games as great as the athletes that will compete - and inspire us all,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bradley, president Vassar College.
Next year’s Summer Games will take place from June 14-16, 2019. Vassar College will host the games opening and closing ceremonies, featuring a ceremonial parade of athletes, motivational speeches, and local entertainment. There will also be a Law Enforcement Torch Run to Ballentine Field on the Vassar College campus. In addition, the Vassar campus will host an Olympic Village throughout the weekend, as well as a victory dance.
The athletic events which make up the three-day competition are Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
County Executive Molinaro will serve as the Honorary Chair of the event. Also returning are 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. The Co-Chairs of the 2019 State Winter 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.
“Our community is committed to Special Olympics New York and the athletes which the organization serves. Locally, we will once again dedicate ourselves to securing financial and in-kind and support and will also recruit volunteers to help orchestrate and carry out the logistics for the weekend. We will once again offer this opportunity to the athletes at no cost to them or their families,” Mr. Castella said.
“Hosting the Summer Games has been on our minds ever since the 2017 winter games ended. This sporting event really requires a community effort in order for it to succeed, and Dutchess County has demonstrated that we can do that. From our collegiate partners, to the record number of volunteers cheering on the athletes, we will work hard once again to made the games a successful and unforgettable competition for all participants,” Vrba said.
Special Olympics is the largest amateur sports organization in the world. With 65,665 athletes, Special Olympics New York is the largest chapter in North America and the sixth-largest chapter in the world. These Winter Games are one of three annual state games and one of more than 5,000 total competitive experiences held each year throughout New York. Special Olympics New York athletes train and compete year-round in 22 sports, the Young Athletes Program and the Motor Activities Training Program – at no cost to the athletes, their families or their caregivers.
The 2019-2020 Special Olympic Summer Games will require extensive local support to be as successful as possible. Local volunteers – individuals or groups – will be needed for various jobs throughout the weekend. For more information and to register online, please visit www.specialolympicsny.org or email volunteer@nyso.org. Local businesses and organizations can also provide support through a range of sponsorship opportunities. For more information about sponsorships, contact Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development & Public Awareness, 518-203-8348 or rsnyder@nyso.org; or Teresa Gilli, Director of Development at 845-765-2497 Ext. 201 or tgilli@nyso.org
