Special Olympics

Dutchess County had the honor of hosting the New York State Winter Special Olympics again this year and The Arc of Dutchess was pleased to be a GOLD Sponsor. The games included alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, floor hockey and figure skating.  The opening ceremony and every event were packed and buzzing with excitement. Record numbers of spectators, volunteers, and ‘Fans in the Stands’ came out on the gorgeous late winter day to show support to over 850 athletes from all across the state.  And this year we had SNOW! We are proud to say that 9 of the athletes representing the Hudson Valley Region are affiliated with The Arc of Dutchess and competed in snowshoeing and cross country skiing. There were over 60 registered volunteers from The Arc of Dutchess working as coaches, volunteers, and fans with even more arriving as spectators.

These athletes were awe-inspiring to all of us: with determination to do their best and give all they had; their comradery before and after each event; their sportsmanship on several occasions; and the pure joy of competing and performing. Receiving medals was exciting, no doubt, but the true enthusiasm for the day was witnessed time and again during the games. Congratulations to ALL of the amazing athletes!

 

We were particularly proud of our own, Kathi Nolan, Coordinator of Employment Services, who received the NYS Special Olympics Coach of the Year! Congratulations, Kathi! This honor was well-deserved.