STATE SUMMER GAMES

BROCKPORT - JUNE 5-7, 2015

Good Luck

to all the athletes

and coaches participating in the
2015 Special Olympics Summer Games!

from your friends at

Sponsoring Agencies
New York State
Department of Health
New York State Office of People
with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD)
New York State
Education Department
NYSUT:
A Union of Professionals
State University of New York
Founder
Dorothy Buehring Phillips
(1910-1994)
Special Olympics
New York
Board of Directors
Honorary Chairman
Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor, State of New York
Officers
Frank Mitola, Chairman
Richard Zerah, Treasurer
Eddie Lee, Secretary
Directors
Aaron Bifaro
Kevin Brown
Heather Dwyer
Raheem Haji
Rosemary Johnson
Patricia Martinelli
Mark OCallaghan
Dr. Christopher A. Kus, M.D. M.P.H.
Helen Squillace
Richard Salinardi,
Immediate Past President
Neal J. Johnson, Ex Officio,
President & CEO
Contact
Special Olympics New York
1-800-836-6976 (toll free)
518-388-0790 (phone)
518-388-0795 (fax)
specialolympicsNY.org (internet)
info@nyso.org (email)
Cover photos by
Ken Smith

Mission: to provide year-round sports training and athletic

competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and
adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage,
experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and
friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and
the community.

Salutes Special Olympics New York

and
Congratulates all of the Athletes
Everyone is a champion!
Carmine Musumeci
State Deputy

Dear Athletes and Fans:

Monroe County and the Monroe County Sports Commission are proud to support
the 2015 New York State Special Olympics Summer Games and welcome you
back to Monroe County. We are proud and honored to host this years Games.
We are recognized as one of the nations top sports communities and this
competition adds to our tradition of great sporting events. The Special Olympics
is the largest amateur sports organization in the world. Incredibly, New York
State is home to the largest chapter in all of North America and is the 6th largest
chapter in the world, so thank you for choosing Monroe County.
I would like to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers for helping to make these
Games a success. I would also like to recognize each of the athletes who have
trained so hard for this competition.
The Summer Games are about much more than aquatics, basketball, and
volleyball, but about inspiration, effort, teamwork, and the courage to reach for
your goals.
Good luck and go for the gold!
S in c e re ly,

M aggie Brooks
Monroe County Executive

110 County Office Building 39 West Main Street Rochester, New York 14614
(585) 753-1000 fax: (585) 753-1014 www.monroecounty.gov e-mail: countyexecutive@monroecounty.gov

ONE OF OUR GREATEST ASSETS IS OUR

COMMUNITY. THATS WHY WERE A PROUD
SPONSOR OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK.
Northwestern Mutual of Rochester, New York is pleased to support the important
work of the Special Olympics. Partnerships like this make our community a better
place to live and work.

Russell Schwartzbeck CLU,

ChFC, CFP
Managing Director
345 Woodcliff Dr Ste 162
rochester.nm.com

05-2817 2015Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries.Northwestern
Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC.Russell K Schwartzbeck, District Agent(s) of NM.Managing
Directors are not in legal partnership with each other, NM or its affiliates.Russell K Schwartzbeck, Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Russell K Schwartzbeck, Representative(s) of Northwestern Mutual Wealth
Management Company, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI, (investment management, trust services, and fee-based planning) subsidiary of NM, limited purpose federal savings bank. Representative(s) may also be an
Investment Advisor Representative(s) of NMIS.Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it
awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Boards initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Cobblestone Capital
is Proud to Support

Special Olympics New York

Thank you to

Portfolio Management
Investment Consulting
Wealth Planning
Private Investments
Independent & locally owned since 1986
Tel. 585.473.3333 | www.cobblestonecap.com
140 Allens Creek Road, Rochester, NY 14618
Investment in securities may result in loss of income and/or principal.

for your support

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Special Olympics New York 2015 State Summer Games.
Year after year, we are privileged to be part of an event that showcases the
talents of Special Olympics athletes from throughout the state and
witness their accomplishments in summer sports. The gains made during
their months of training will be on display Saturday as the athletes compete
in Aquatics, Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Tennis, Track &
Field, and Volleyball.
We are delighted to be here in Brockport and are very proud to partner with our Games Honorary Chair,
Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive once again. We thank Games Organizing Chair Naomi Silver,
President, CEO and COO Rochester Red Wings and all the members of the Games Organizing Committee for
their support and collaboration during the months of planning for this event and the hundreds of volunteers
who will be with us throughout the weekend.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the State Summer Games Premier sponsor, Wegmans,
the Rochester Red Wings and also the Golisano Foundation for the leadership role they have played in these
Games. Wed also like to recognize and thank our other Games sponsors, including Northwestern Mutual,
Democrat and Chronicle, First Niagara, Chobani, RIT, Amtrak, CSEA, Dial America, Dixon Schwabl, Hutton and
Williams, Knights of Columbus and NYSUT.
Athletes will attend Summer Games and participate in all the activities of the weekend at no cost thanks
to these sponsors and our State sponsors.
The State Summer Games is the largest culminating event of the year and we are extremely excited to be in
the Monroe County community. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, congratulations to all of the
athletes and their families, and best of luck at the 2015 State Summer Games.
Sincerely,

Neal J. Johnson Frank Mitola

President & CEO
Chairman, Board of Directors
Andrew M. Cuomo
Special Olympics New York
Governor, State of New York

Honorary Chairman
Frank Mitola
Chairman

Special Olympics New York

504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 Tel + 1 518 388 0790 Fax + 1 518 388 0795
Twitter @SONYInfo Facebook SpecialOlympicsNewYork www.SpecialOlympicsNY.org
Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the benefit of persons with intellectual disabilities

Neal J. Johnson
President & CEO
Dorothy Buehring Phillips
(1910 - 1994) Founder

Independent Perspective | Real-World Solutions

We are proud to support

The Special Olympics:

2015 State Summer Games
At Manning & Napier we truly believe that the most
important investments we make are in the communities
we serve. We are committed to improving the lives of our
clients and employees, as well as the many causes they
support.

Patrick Cunningham
Chief Executive Officer
Manning & Napier
290 Woodcliff Drive
Fairport, NY 14450
(585) 325-6880 | phone
(800) 551-0224 | toll-free
www.manning-napier.com

Thank You

About Summer State Games

The Summer Games are the largest of three annual State Games with over 5,000 competitive
experiences held each year throughout New York. On Friday, June 5th, over 2,000 athletes and
coaches will travel here to Brockport from around the state for the competition. The athletes here
this weekend have qualified at local and regional levels to compete.
There will be eight sports featured at the summer games - Athletics (track & field), Aquatics,
Basketball, Powerlifting, Gymnastics, Tennis, Volleyball, all on the Brockport campus and bowling
at AMF Dewey Lanes. There is a strong tie between Special Olympics and the College at Brockport
dating back almost 40 years. The 5th International Special Olympics World Games were hosted by the
College at Brockport in 1979. Over 3,500 athletes from 50 states and more than 30 countries took
part in the competitions, social events, dances, clinics, demonstrations, as well as, a day trip to
Niagara Falls. The Children of the World Statue still proudly stands across from the Special Olympics
Park on the campus.
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the signature Opening Ceremonies at the Special
Olympics Stadium on campus. The parade of athletes will begin at 8pm followed by an exciting
program to include entertainment, a few motivational words by Rochesters own Olympic gold
medalist speed skater, Cathy Turner, the fan-favorite Law Enforcement Torch Run and the
ceremonial lighting of the cauldron to signify the official start of the games!
Dont forget to visit an amazing Olympic Village throughout the day on Saturday! The Olympic
Village will feature the Healthy Athletes
program where athletes can receive free
health screenings from high-level
clinicians, healthy giveaways from our
friends at Wegmans, official summer
games merchandise, and get your official
Alex and Ani bracelets at the Bangle Bar
and much more!
The weekend will conclude Saturday
evening with the official closing
ceremonies and victory dance where
athletes and volunteers can share their
amazing summer games experiences!
This year we will also feature an
exhibition unified basketball game with
our USA Games Team that will represent
New York at World Games in LA this July.
Enjoy the games!!

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, June 5
1:00 pm 5:00 pm
Delegation Check-In - Control Center-Harmon/Gordon Building 30/31
4:00 pm 10:00 pm
Olympic Village Lot U- parking lot between Tuttle & Stadium
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Dinner Athletes/Coaches Dining Center- Harrison, The Square & Brockway
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Head of Delegation Meeting
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sponsor/VIP Reception Eagle Lookout
8:00 pm
2015 Opening Ceremonies Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium
11:00 pm Campus Curfew
Saturday, June 6
6:00 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast for All Athletes/Coaches Dining Centers

Competition Start Times
8:00 am 4:30 pm
Athletics - EKS Stadium, College at Brockport
8:45 am 5:00 pm
Aquatics James B. Fulton Natatorium, College at Brockport
11:00 am 4:30 pm
Basketball - Tuttle North Gymnasium, SERC house of fields
9:00 am 2:00 pm
Bowling AMF Dewey Lanes Rochester
12:00 pm 3:30 pm
Gymnastics - Tuttle North Gymnastics Center, College at Brockport
8:00 am 3:30 pm
Powerlifting - Tower Fine Arts Center, College at Brockport
9:00 am 4:00 pm
Tennis - Tennis Courts, College at Brockport
8:30 am 4:00 pm
Volleyball Tuttle North and South Gymnasiums, College at Brockport
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Olympic Village/Fan Station/Healthy Athletes- Lot U- parking lot between

Tuttle buildings & Stadium
9:30 am
Healthy Athletes Ribbon Cutting and Healthy Communities

Award Ceremony, Olympic Village
10:30 am 1:00 pm
Box Lunch Distribution to Athletes/Coaches - All Venues
4:30 pm 6:30 pm

Victory Dinner -Dining Centers -Harrison, The Square & Brockway
7:00 pm-7:45 pm

Unified Basketball exhibition game - SERC building, College at Brockport
7:45 pm 9:30 pm


Closing Ceremonies /Victory Dance - SERC building, College at Brockport
11:00 pm Campus Curfew
Sunday, June 7
6:30 am - 8:30 am
7:00 am - 11:00am

Breakfast Athletes/Coaches- Harrison, The Square & Brockway

Delegation Check-out - Control Center- Harmon/Gordon Building 30/31

Special Thanks to

Rite Aid wishes all the

Special Olympics athletes
the best of luck in the
2015 Summer Games

Thank you Bozuttos for your support of our athletes!

VENUES AND SPORTS DIRECTORS

Sport Athletics

Venue
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu
Sport Director
Tim Flynn
Throws Sport Director
Ellen Pikula
Throws Sport Director
Bruce Brown
Technical Delegate
James Restaino

Sport Aquatics
Venue
Address
Website
Sport Director

SUNY Brockport Tuttle North

350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420
www.brockport.edu/campusrec/
Faith Latella

Sport Basketball

Venue
Tuttle North Gymnasium - 3 courts
Website
www.brockport.edu/campusrec/
Venue
S.E.R.C. House of fields - 4 Courts
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu/planevents/SERC.html
Sport Director
Charlie Jones

Sport Bowling

Venue AMF Dewey Garden Lanes

Address 4470 Dewey Ave.
Website
www.amf.com/deweygardenlanes
Sport Director
Carla Lrenzetti

Sport Gymnastics

Venue
Tuttle North Gymnastics Center
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu/campusrec/
Sport Director
Sarah Jane Clifford

Sport Powerlifting

Venue
Tower Fine Arts Center Mainstage
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu/theatre/Tower.html
Sport Director
Mike Murray

Sport Tennis

Venue
Brockport Tennis Courts
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu/campusrec/
Sport Director
Todd Bazzini

Sport Volleyball

Venue
Tuttle North - 2 Courts
Venue
Tuttle South - 2 Courts
Address 350 New Campus Drive
Website
www.brockport.edu/campusrec/
Sport Director
Larry Johnson

Imagine the Possibilities!

The Golisano Foundation is committed to opening doors, changing perceptions, and forging
unprecedented partnerships in pursuit of the goal to provide individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities with pathways to self-sufficiency, personal dignity, and the best possible
expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes.
Founded in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from B. Thomas Golisano, the founder and Chairman
of Paychex, the foundation is now one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted
exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities so that they may achieve
their maximum potentials by
integrating independence,
self-determination, and
productivity into all facets of
their lives.
The Foundation has awarded
more than $18 million in grants,
about $1.5 million annually, to
non-profit organizations in a
multi-county region surrounding
Rochester, New York and now has
more than $32 million in gross
assets.
We Are a Catalyst for
Transformation
B. Thomas Golisano (right) and Ann Costello, Executive Director of
Through our targeted initiatives, the Golisano Foundation (left)
it is our vision that communities
will encourage and commit to inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities; and provide services that empower individuals to make their way
productively and creatively in their communities. In addition to providing funding the Foundation
also serves as a proactive partner with organizations that serve people with intellectual disabilities,
working together to promote acceptance and inclusion in the community and workplace.
Our Partnership with Special Olympics
Progress continues to be made increasing access to healthcare since Tom Golisano announced a
$12 million commitment to Special Olympics in 2012 to launch Healthy Communities in six US states
(including New York) and eight countries. Healthy Communities is taking the principles of the Healthy
Athletes program and expanding them from a series of single events to a steady presence in the lives
of Special Olympics athletes and their families. It is also expanding efforts to educate healthcare
professionals about working with people with intellectual disabilities.
Learn more about the Foundation at golisanofoundation.org.

The Democrat and Chronicle Media Group

proudly supports the 2015 Special Olympics
Summer Games.
With Special Olympics New York, we
share a common goal of making Rochester
great by helping our community through
persistent advocacy, understanding, and
providing opportunities for individuals with
intellectual disabilities. We salute all of this
years athletes and wish everyone good luck!

The Democrat and Chronicle Media Group is the premier news media and
marketing solutions company in the Greater Rochester area, informing and
engaging more than 460,000 adults each week.
Our portfolio of trusted brands delivers high-quality and engaging
content across print, digital, social and video platforms. Learn more at
democratandchronicle.com.

Healthy Communities
At Special Olympics, we believe that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) deserve full access to
quality healthcare. Fifteen years of health screening data from our Healthy Athletes Program has
shown that people with ID are one of the most medically underserved groups in the world.
Even here in New York State, there are disparities in health for people with ID: 22% of athletes have
obvious, untreated tooth decay, 49% of adults are obese, 34% fail hearing tests, and 20% have low
bone density.
Special Olympics has
always worked to unleash
the human spirit. Our work
addresses inactivity,
injustice, intolerance, and
social isolation by
encouraging and
empowering people with
intellectual disabilities,
which leads to a more
welcoming and inclusive
society. In 2012, Special
Olympics New York (SONY)
was selected as one of
14 global programs to
demonstrate the potential
of Healthy Communities.
Through Healthy
Communities SONY is
expanding health services to people with ID, increasing partnerships with local organizations,
expanding our use of technology, and promoting awareness of the health difficulties facing people
with intellectual disabilities.
The Healthy Communities Project is made possible by a generous and unprecedented $12.5 million
gift from businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano. This gift comes from my deep admiration
for the work of Special Olympics We must do more to eliminate the health disparities that people
with intellectual disabilities face said Tom Golisano when the award was announced.
The goal of Healthy Communities is to create communities where Special Olympics athletes and
others with intellectual disabilities have the same access to health and wellness resources, can attain
the same level of good health as all members of the community, and will receive care in an inclusive
and accepting environment. Healthy Communities evolves the Healthy Athletes Program to
better meet the health needs of Special Olympics Athletes, expanding health from a series of
episodic events to a steady presence in the lives of our athletes.
Over the past two and a half years, we have focused on oral health and healthy weight for our
athletes. We have been national leaders in the use of technology with our health programs.
We have grown our Healthy Athletes program across the state. We have forged new partnerships
with hospital systems, community centers, and developmental agencies to provide more services and
follow up care to our athletes. And, we have woven health into the fabric of this organization.
Together, we are building healthy and inclusive communities.

A proud sponsor of
Special Olympics New York

.
g
n
i
h
t
O ur
Being good
neighbors.

How does a localized area become

a genuine community? It takes
good people doing great things. Not
just for themselves but also for their
neighbors. Its mentoring those who need
guidance.Itsopeningnewbusinesseswith
quality products at fair prices. Its teachers
who care. Its art that enriches the mind;
theater that thrills the soul. Its playing
together, working together, and watching
our kids grow up together. And as we
perform these daily rituals, strangers become
friends. Where anything, with a little help from
them, seems possible.
Visit us at firstniagara.com

BA N K / BOR R OW / I N V E ST / P ROTECT

Saturday 9am-4pm
Near the Track and Field Events
Next to Olympic Village

Strong Minds
Learn positive self-talk, stress management and other skills to focus your
mind and become resilient to the stress of sports competition.

Lions Club International Opening Eyes

Vision Screenings and Free Glasses.

Healthy Hearing
Ear and Hearing Screenings.

FUNfitness
Test your Strength, Flexibility, Balance, and Aerobic Condition.

Fit Feet
Feet are important for sports. Come make sure yours are in tip top shape!

Special Smiles
Dental screenings, free mouth guards and toothbrushes!

Health Promotion
Have your bone density scanned and learn about healthy eating habits!

Let the games begin!

NYSUT is proud to be a
founding sponsor of the
Special Olympics of New York.
Karen E. Magee, President
Andrew Pallotta, Executive Vice President
Catalina R. Fortino, Vice President
Paul Pecorale, Vice President
Martin Messner, Secretary-Treasurer

Representing more than 600,000 professionals in education, human services and health care

www.nysut.org
800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455
518-213-6000 800-342-9810
Affiliated with AFT / NEA / AFL-CIO

World Games & NY Athletes ...

With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and
an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games is being
staged this year in Los Angeles, on July 25-August 2, 2015.
Representing New York, members include:
Thomas Adimari, Athlete, Valhalla, NY (Tennis); John Ashley, Unified Partner, Stormville, NY (Basketball); Jagger Ashley, Unified Partner,Stormville, NY (Basketball);Stephen Booth, Athlete, Brewster, NY
(Basketball); Hunter Burnett, Unified Partner, Sleepy Hollow, NY (Basketball); Thomas Cheung, Athlete,
New York, NY (Gymnastics); Teresa Gilli, Coach, Beacon, NY (Basketball), Kevin Green, Athlete, Brewster, NY (Basketball); Kimberly Kaczmarek, Head Coach,New York ( Basketball); Minqiang Li, Athlete,
Elmsford, NY (Basketball); Brendan Murphy, Unified Partner, New York (Basketball); Yash Patel, Unified
Partner, Brewster, NY (Basketball);Thomas Patterson, Athlete, New York (Athletics);Timothy Schneider,
Athlete, Bethel, CT (Basketball); Donna Schneider, Coach, Bethel, CT (Basketball); Felix Veloz, Athlete,
Tarrytown, NY (Basketball.)

Along the journey to the Games, a premier opportunity to get involved in supporting through
fundraising and walking, running, peddling in the first ever Unified Relay Across America presented
by Bank of America started on May 26. This traveling event will hit every state within 46 days
where thousands will carry the Flame of Hope, lighting the way to a future of inclusion and respect
for people with Intellectual Disabilities.
The Unified Relay began on May 26, where it split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta,
Maine; Miami, Florida; and Washington, D.C.
Traveling west, all three routes will become unified in Los Angeles on July 10. Along each route, welcoming ceremonies and community celebrations will take place nightly with musical performances,
celebrity guests and Unified Sports Experiences.
Check out www.unifiedrelay.org for more details and updates.

Our World Games Athletes ... Individual Sports

Thomas Cheung
Athlete 25 New York, NY Gymnastics
Thomas is a member of Special Olympics Team USA Gymnastics
and is from New York, New York. Special Olympics has afforded
me an opportunity to travel and interact with others and
understand that regardless of a disability, it does not have to
stop anyone, said Cheung. In addition to gymnastics, Thomas
also competes locally in basketball, bowling, football, golf, roller
skating and softball. Some of Thomas hobbies include listening to
music and dancing.

Thomas Patterson
Athlete 18 New York Athletics
It means a lot to me to be a part of Team USA. I am excited that
I can compete with other athletes who may be different than
me on the outside but on the inside are full of joy, wonder, and
friendship. Ive been involved since I was just a little kid and got
involved because of my father, who is also an athlete and mentor.
As I grew older and I really liked it and its something Im glad to be
a part of.My hobbies are to going to the gym to stay in shape, to
the pool hall to shoot some pool, and sometimes just sitting back
and chilling with my friends.

Thomas Adimari
Athlete 37 Valhalla, NY Tennis
Thomas is a member of the Special Olympics Team USA tennis
team as a singles player. Thomas hails from Valhalla, New York and
has been an athlete with Special Olympics for over 20 years.
He says Special Olympics has changed his life by improving his
socializing and making friends with other athletes from different
areas and having the opportunity to travel to participate in
tournaments both in-state and in Virgina.It has also made it
easier for me to make friends, pushing me to become more
outgoing! says Thomas. Tomass hobbies include drawing and
building model car kits, volunteering with his church and at
American Legion functions.

Our World Games Athletes ... HV Basketball Team

Stephen Booth
Athlete 22 Brewster, NY Basketball
Stephen is a member of Special Olympics Team USA Basketball and is from Brewster, New York.
Stephen says that being able to compete at the World Games is a chance to spread my wings and
see the best players and play alongside them.
Some of Stephens hobbies include video games, bike riding and watching the New York Jets.
Kevin Green
Athlete 19 Brewster, NY Basketball
Kevin Green is a member of the
Special Olympics Team USA
basketball team from Brewster, New
York. At first Kevin didnt want to do
Special Olympics, but now he doesnt
want to stop. His favorite hobbies are
sports, movies and the computer.
Minqiang Li
Athlete 20 Elmsford, NY
Basketball
Being on Special Olympics Team USA
makes me feel special and proud.
Special Olympics has changed my
life socially, Ive developed more language skills and confidence in myself.
Timothy Schneider
Athlete 22 Bethel, CT Basketball
I am so excited to be able to compete with people from all over the world in the Special Olympics
Games. Timothy says Special Olympics has taught him how to become a team member, how to meet
new people and it makes him feel good about himself. When Timothy isnt on the court he enjoys
watching and playing baseball, playing video games and listening to music.
Felix Veloz
Athlete 19 Tarrytown, NY Basketball
Felix is on the Unified Basketball team and he says hes excited to play other countries during World
Games in Los Angeles. It is such an honor to have been selected to represent our country and to be
given the opportunity to play basketball for the world. I came to the United States three years ago.
I joined the Special Olympics team at my school and became part of an amazing team and made lots
of friends. He says Special Olympics has changed his life in so many ways.

Our World Games Unified Partners ... HV Basketball Team

John Ashley
Unified Partner 20 Stormville, NY Basketball
John is a member of Special Olympics Team USA Unified Basketball and is from Stormville, New York.
John says, Special Olympics taught me greater responsibility, how to teach others and everyone
possesses special gifts and talents.In his free time, John enjoys playing video games, lacrosse, volunteering and cross fit.
Jagger Ashley
Unified Partner 19 Stormville, NY Basketball
Jagger is a member of Special Olympics Team USA Unified Basketball and is from Stormville, New
York. Jagger says Special Olympics has been a life-changing event and has been an amazing experience for him. When he is not competing with Special Olympics, Jagger plays varsity sports, enjoys
skiing, hiking, street hockey, cars, traveling, and movies.
Hunter Burnett
Unified Partner 18 Sleepy Hollow, NY Basketball
Hunter is a Unified Partner for Special Olympics Team USA Basketball and is from Sleepy Hollow, New
York. Hunter is happy he joined Special Olympics because it has given him a new perspective on life
and people with disabilities. It has allowed me to form friendships with people with special needs,
says Hunter. I have also learned how talented people with special needs can be and it has made me
more accepting of everyone with challenges. When Hunter is not competing with Special Olympics
he enjoys golfing and playing street hockey.
Brendan Murphy
Unified Partner 18 New York Basketball
The opportunity to share in a journey that looks beyond abilities and national boundaries and
focuses on human spirit and pride in accomplishment. I would like to see Special Olympics have a
presence in every high school, college and community.Special Olympics has shown me how
rewarding it is to help others achieve their goals. Special Olympics has taught me the value of
inclusion and acceptance. Through my trophy projects, Special Olympics has shown me that you
can make an impact with small ideas and acts of kindness.
Yash Patel
Unified Partner 17 Brewster, NY Basketball
Being on Team USA is a chance to participate and share great times with new friends. That it may
help others who are not as fortunate, experience new adventures in sports. Patel likes playing
basketball and video games. This is my first time being on Special Olympics Team USA and going to
World Games.

.
Special
Olympics World Games Brockport
Timeline: August 8th - 13th, 1979
The Fifth International Special Olympics Summer Games hosted more than 3,500 athletes from every
state in the United States and more than 30 countries were involved. In 1979 the Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Stadium was built for the Olympics and still stands today.
There were twelve official sports, track
and field, swimming, diving, gymnastics,
ice skating, basketball, volleyball, floor
hockey, poly hockey, bowling, frisbee
disk, and wheelchair events. More than
6,000 medals were awarded: 2,200
golds, 1,950 silvers, and 1,825 bronzes.
In addition, all the athletes received
participation medals for their effort.
Mrs. Jimmy Carter was the Honorary
Chair and several famous supporters had
also supported the games; Julius Erving,
Frank Gifford, Pele, Wilma Rudolph, Phil
Donahue, Marlo Thomas, Sally Struthers,
Susan St. James, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Christopher Reeve and
the Kennedy Family attended. Other famous athletes Muhammad Ali, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Rafer
Johnson, and Hank Aaron participated in the special events. It was estimated that between 45 and 50
celebrities participated in the Brockport Special Olympics.
Opening Ceremonies:
The Wings of Blue, the Air Force Academys parachute team, leaped from a plane and the final
jumper handed the Olympic torch to a waiting athlete. The torch was last used in the 1972 Munich
Olympic games and the first of five Rochester-area Special Olympians was eager to carry it on.
Muhammad Ali and Rafer Johnson helped Steven Parlato, a 19 year old Brockport athlete, in the
lighting of the Olympic flame.
Closing Ceremonies:
Gen. Robert M. Montague, executive
director of the Special Olympics,
officially closed the ceremonies.
Athletes ringed the field eight deep,
with one athlete and one chaperone
representing each delegation forming
a circle in the center of the stadium to
witness the snuffing of the torch, which
had burned since Thursday evening. The
Special Olympians placed one item from
each delegation into a time capsule,
which will remain buried for 100 years.

Volunteers:
Over 4,000 local individuals volunteered their time to help
out at events.
They were responsible for many tasks such as serving food
in the cafeterias, cleaning up the grounds, directing
chaperones around the campus, decorating and a variety
of other necessary chores.
Day Trip:
On Sunday, all 3,500 athletes and their chaperones visited
scenic points in Niagara Falls.
Golden Arrow Line, Inc. of Rochester donated 99 buses.
The Kennedy Foundation picked up the tab for the
gasoline and thruway tolls necessary for the trip.
Four hundred volunteers helped load and unload the
buses, three hundred of which were uniformed members
of the 914th Air Force Reserve, and the rest came from the
New York Telephone Pioneers Club.
On October 8, 1982 ...
The Brockport Post reported that SUNY Brockport held a
dedication ceremony for the colleges new Special
Olympics Park. Seven local Special Olympics participants unveiled two new monuments that greet
guests upon entering the park. Special Olympics Park was planned by senior grounds man William
Minoia as a setting for the bronze sculpture and fountain created by Zurab Tsereteli for the purposes
of celebrating the Special Olympics.

Thank You ...

Lawrence Brien
Richard Reynolds
Rick Lair
Robert J. Kehoe
Karen M. Riotto
Liam Welsh
Nate Bull
Mary Cocking
Dana Weiss
Rich Klancer
Scott Haines
Jeff Collins
Mark Gardner
Cathy Legacy
Chris Bazzie
Dave Comden
Margaret Menear
Mark Hillman
Dave Sevor
Gary Musante
Ed Giblin
Todd Hagreen
Rich Mackey

Opening Eyes
Dr. Paul Harvey
Dr. Vadim Guy
Linda Pattington
Special Smiles
Dr. Vineela Redla
Dr. Lisa DeLucia
Barb Marino
Fit Feet
Dr. Mary Kate Gedro
Dr. Sean Zeller
Funfitness
Dr. Amy Pete
Dr. Melissa Murphy

Health Promotion
Dr. Scott Darling
Lorna Patanella
Healthy Hearing
Dr. Mark Orlando
Dr. Kim Tillery
Strong Minds
Dr. Susan Hepburn
Katelyn Lowery
Sponsor an Athlete
Thank You
Fairport Savings Bank
Bonadio Group
Alex & Ani

State Summer Games - Games Organizing Committee

Honorary Chair - Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive
Games Organizing Chair - Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO Rochester Red Wings
Sharon Stiller
Stephanie Buchbinder
Francis Antonelli
Jim Redmond
Adam Terry
Mark Gardner
Suzanne Nasipak-Chapman

Greg Constantino
Renee Carver
John Prewasnicak
Donna Dedee
Rich Mackey
Tom Petzke
Judy Seil

Kris Wood
Molly Cummings
John Kucko
Sal Gerbino
Mike Schwabl

Canon U.S.A.
salutes the
Special Olympics
athletes in the
Summer State games.
Good luck!

We Are Still Freezin for A Reason in New York

With 17 Polar Plunges from Buffalo to Long Island the 2014-2015 Plunge Season once again broke
records with a grand total of $1,428,000 raised from November to March!! This six figure revenue
increase came with one of the coldest winters New York has seen in decades!
Leading the charge is our largest Plunge in the state, right here in the Genesee Region! The greater
Rochester community knows how to have fun in the cold with over 2,000 brave souls braving the icy
waters of Lake Ontario in February, raising almost $340,000 for our Athletes!!
A few very special Thank Yous to the people who made it happen!
Our Plunge Chair Sal Gerbino and his amazing
Plunge Committee!!!
Title Sponsor
John Gizzi and the Gizzi Family of Companies
Top Team and our Cool School
The students from RIT
Top Five Teams
1. RIT
2. Frozen Stiffs
3. TEAM Rory
4. Salenas Frozen Margaritas
5. Team Shape
Please visit www.polarplungeNY.org for more
information and upcoming plunges near you.

Project Unifiy
In 2014, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Central Committee
passed a motion to recognize Unified Sports as an official program, giving it the same credibility as
high school (varsity and junior varsity) and modified sports. Currently, NYSPHSAA and Special
Olympics New York partner to offer unified sports programs to schools in 2 of the 11 NYSPHSAA
Athletic Sections, with 2 more to begin in the 2015-16 school year. In addition to unified sports, each
school has a Youth Activation Committee (YAC).
The YAC is responsible to help increase
awareness and acceptance of students with
disabilities within the school district by supporting the unified sports team and promoting
inclusive programming and opportunities.
Special Olympics New York has unified sports
activity across the state through school based
Project Unify programming. Special Olympics
Project UNIFY is an education and sports
based strategy powered by an engaged youth
community that increases athletic and
leadership opportunities for students with and
without intellectual disabilities, while creating
communities of acceptance for all.

Law Enforcement Torch Run

New York State Law Enforcement officers have carried the Special Olympics
Torch throughout various communities leading up to Opening Ceremonies
at the State Summer Games. Since its inception, more than $9.8 million
dollars has been raised through Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for
Special Olympics NY. These fundraisers provide training, equipment, venues,
uniforms and transportation for hundreds of thousands of Special Olympics
New York athletes for over a quarter of a century.
This statewide relay involves hundreds of Special Olympics New York athletes and law enforcement
officers. Stops at schools and businesses along the route give the public the opportunity to witness the

excitement surrounding the Torch Run and Special Olympics. The Torch makes many stops along the way
before its handed off to law enforcement from our host city. It is escorted into the city and brought one step
closer to the Cauldron lighting at Opening Ceremonies.
On May 21st, the Torch began its journey in the Hudson Valley Region with the Dutchess County Torch Run,
then journeyed into Westchester County on May 27th and finished that leg in Ulster County on May 28th.
The Long Island Region ran the Eastern Long Island Torch Run leg on May 19th, followed by the Nassau &
Suffolk legs on May 21st.
Central Region & Southern Tier hosted 9-legs of the 2015 Torch Run starting Sunday, May 17th in Jefferson
County, followed by legs running from Oswego to Fulton, Onondaga County, Norwich, Cortland, Ithaca, Utica,
Elbridge to Canandaigua and concluding Thursday, June 4th in Binghamton.
In the North Country, torch run legs began on May 1st kicking off in Ogdensburg followed by the Franklin
County Torch Run on May 8th. The Torch then traveled to Saranac Lake/ Lake Placid on May 15th, Plattsburgh
on May 21st and ended in Port Henry on May 22nd.
The Saratoga Springs Torch Run began the series of runs for the Capital District Region on May 18th. The
Warren and Washington County areas carried the torch on May 26th & 27th where the route spanned from
Schroon Lake all the way into Mechanicville and then into the Capital, which picked up its voyage the morning
of May 28th with runs in Schenectady and East Greenbush ending with a press conference at Albany City Hall.
The New York City region ran the Torch into their Metro Tournament at Queens College on Saturday, May
30th. New York City is excited to kick off a new Torch Run leg in Staten Island in late June.
The Western legs kicked off with a run on April 17th in Olean incorporating one of the largest Polar Plunge
college teams, St. Bonaventure. On May 20th, the Torch traveled through Jamestown followed by Arcade
and Fredonia. The final leg of Torch Runs started off June 1st in the City of Lewiston. The Torch continued its
journey with the Honorary John Duberville Leg on June 2nd, West Seneca Leg and the Trooper Kevin P. Dobson Memorial Leg in Clarence on June 3rd; Amherst, Tonawanda and the City of Buffalo on June 4th. And new
to 2015 is the Badges on the Border Torch Run where Law Enforcement members will pass the Torch to our
Canadian counterparts on the Rainbow Bridge.
Another leg began in our Genesee Region at RIT on May 7th and followed into several local competitions
throughout May. The Torch was then run throughout the greater Rochester area during the 1st week of June,
followed by a Law Enforcement night hosted by the Rochester Red Wings.
The Torch then arrives for the Summer Games and is brought into the Opening Ceremonies where the
Cauldron is lit and the Summer State Games are declared open, June 5th.

The rUNDEAD - Will You Survive ... ???

There are over 2,000 athletes and coaches attending the 2015 State Summer Games and Special
Olympics New York is covering all costs associated with the Games, including transportation, housing,
meals, competition venues and awards. There are also 5,246 competitive experiences offered across
the state, all at no cost to the participants, their families, or their caregivers.
Special Olympics New York provides training and competition
year round across the state in 22 Olympic-style sports to 65,665
children and adults with intellectual disabilities. New York is the
largest program in North America!
With that being said, the latest and greatest event generating
almost $100,000 in 2014, one life at a time is The Rundead!
The Rundead is a series of 5K runs throughout New York State,
with a bit of a twist.
The Rundead is a 5k run where runners are trying to escape
hungry zombies. Each runner will start off with a flag belt and
three flags.
These flags represent your lifelines. Zombies throughout the
course will be attempting to take these one at a time. If a runner
loses all three, they are dead...or better yet, undead and the
zombies have won. Participants are encouraged to use speed,
strategy whatever it takes to keep their flags. If a runner finishes the race with at least one, they
have survived! If zombies have taken all of their flags they can complete the race but are not eligible
for awards. All registered zombies will have the opportunity to have a zombie make-up makeover and
all participants receive an official survival T-shirt! Prizes are also awarded to zombies who show good
behavior and good sportsmanship!
The inaugural Rundead event took place in
Saratoga Springs in October of 2012 with
over 1,200 participants and increased to
almost 1,600 participants in 2014.
Right here in Rochester the Second
Annual Rundead took place at Genesee
Valley Park and grew to over 500
participants and over $20,000! Also in
its second year the Long Island Rundead
exceeded expectations with almost 1,000
participants and over $35,000 raised!
Look out for registration for 2015!
Make sure you check out The Rundead in
your area! Visit www.TheRundead.org for
a complete list of Rundead events happening across the state!! For more information on
sponsorship opportunities or taking on a leadership role for these highly visible events please contact
Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development and Public Awareness at 518-388-0790 ext. 103 or
rsnyder@nyso.org.

True, Patient Centered Care

2014 Monroe Livingston Region EMS Agency of the Year

We are proud to support the Special Olympics and athletes competing in

this years games and wish the best of luck to all competitors.
Brockport Volunteer Ambulance has served
the greater Brockport community since 1962.
A 24 hour a day Advanced Life Support
service, we currently serve the Village of
Brockport. If you are a Clarkson or Sweden
resident and want Brockport Ambulance, you
must request us when calling 911.

Official Ambulance of
The Rochester

Live in Clarkson or Sweden?

Call your Supervisor!

Tell them you want us.
This is how YOU affect change.

Special Olympics would like

to thank Bank of America
for their generous support as
the official presenting
sponsor of Unified Relay
Across America.
We would also like to thank
ESPN/ABC/Disney, HomeAway,
Microsoft, WWE and Toyota
for their significant sponsorships of
Unified Relay.
It is only through these sponsorships and
corporate support that
Special Olympics is able to
present an event of this historic
magnitude.

Thank you to the

Monroe County Sports Commission
for Sponsoring the Athletes of
Special Olympics NY

Congratulations,
Athletes!
Well be there with you when you reach the finish line!
We are proud to support Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program,
which provides essential health care screening and resources to people with
intellectual disabilities, and trains tens of thousands of health care providers.
Stop by Healthy Athletes in the Olympic Village!
Learn more about the foundation at GolisanoFoundation.org.