Special Olympics Summer Games coming to Dutchess County

Special Olympics New York athletes, staff and local dignitaries during Tuesday’s press conference at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie on June 5, 2018. The Special Olympics Summer Games are going to be held in Dutchess County for 2019 and 2020.

A Press Conference was held to announce that Dutchess County will host the organization’s Summer Games June 14-15 in 2019, and again in June 2020.

It will mark the Special Olympics’ return to the region, after the Hudson Valley hosted the Winter Games in 2016 and 2017.

The area at that time drew positive reviews from Special Olympics for its support of the athletes, with more than 3,000 volunteers, according to organizers. County representatives, meanwhile, said local businesses saw a boost from the those who entered the area to attend.

Vassar College and Dutchess Community College are scheduled to host the events. Athletes will come to Poughkeepsie on Friday of the weekend for the opening ceremony, followed by a full day of competition and the closing ceremonies on Saturday.

The Press Conference Was Attended by The Arc Of Dutchess’ Associate Executive, Marie Fitzmaurice, Linda G. Campbell, Director of Marketing and Employment and several Arc of Dutchess athletes.