Events to Take Place at Several Capital Region Venues
ALBANY, N.Y. – Neal J. Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York, announced the 2017 & 2018 State Summer Games will be hosted by Siena College and surrounding community venues.
The Summer Games are the largest of two annual state games and 5,048 competitive experiences held each year throughout New York. Athletes and coaches will travel to Siena College from around the state for the competition. Athletes must qualify at a local level to compete in the State Summer Games.
Tom Mooney, Special Olympics New York Athlete for 22 years, addresses the crowd about his excitement and enthusiasm that the 2017 & 2018 State Summer Games will be hosted by Siena College and surrounding community venues.
“We are excited to once again be back in the Capital Region for our Summer State Games,” said Neal Johnson. “Siena College has a long and valued relationship with the athletes of Special Olympics New York having hosted many local events and provided training opportunities for several of our World Games teams. This is a great community with strong ties to our athletes.”
President of Siena College, Brother F. Edward Coughlin will serve as the State Summer Games Honorary Co-Chair along with Albany County Executive Dan McCoy.
“Siena College is honored to be hosting the Summer Games for the Special Olympics. We look forward to welcoming these athletes to our campus and to the Capital Region and to supporting their endeavors as they strive to achieve their best.” Brother F. Edward Coughlin
“I am honored to serve as co-chair for the 2017 and 2018 Special Olympics State Summer Games here in Albany County,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “By hosting the games we will see inspiring athletes competing in Olympics style summer sports at various venues. I am confident that by working together we can provide a great experience for the athletes, the families and fans.” Albany County Executive Dan McCoy
Athletic competition will take place Saturday, June 17, 2017. All events, including the opening and closing ceremonies are free and open to the general public. Hosts for these competitions include Siena College, Hudson Valley Community College, The Sage Colleges, World Class Gymnastics and Spare Time Bowling alley.
Andrew J. Matonak, Ed.D., President, Hudson Valley Community College, Brother F. Edward Coughlin, President of Siena College, Neal Johnson, CEO of Special Olympics New York, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple
This will mark the first time in a decade that Special Olympics New York will be back in the Capital Region for the
State Summer Games. The games were hosted by the University at Albany 2005-2007.
Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and competition in 22 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athletes, their families or caregivers. There are 67, 162 athletes that train and compete with Special Olympics New York, the largest Special Olympics program in North America.
Numerous volunteers from surrounding communities are needed to support the State Summer Games competitions and events:
- Opening ceremony staff and support
- Staff for all sporting venues
- Set up and break down at all venues
- Distribute lunches
- “Fans in the Stands” at the opening ceremonies and all events, cheering the athletes on to victory
For more information and to register online, please visit the website at www.specialolympicsny.org or email [email protected]. Volunteers can be individuals or groups.
Special Olympics New York will need to raise funding in the Capital District Region surrounding the State Summer Games and we are looking for corporate, community and individual partnerships. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Senior Director of Development, Sarah Martinez at 518-936-4468.
The largest fundraiser in the Capital Region will take place Saturday, November 19 at Shepard Beach in Lake George. Over 700 participants will brave the chilly waters of Lake George to raise close to $100,000 for our local Athletes. For more information or to register visit www.PolarPlungeNY.org.