Susan Handerhan Receives Special Olympics New York Lifetime Achievement Award

38-Year Volunteer, Coach, and Advocate Honored for Transformational Leadership

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is proud to announce that Susan Handerhan has earned the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her 38 years of unwavering commitment to athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Capital Region and beyond.

Throughout her decades of service, Susan has coached in a wide range of sports including basketball, tennis, track & field, softball, floor hockey, floorball, and volleyball. But her impact goes far beyond coaching. She has led the development of sectional and regional meets, served as event director for multiple competitions, and held leadership roles in seasonal games as well as numerous committees including the Polar Plunge, Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), Athlete Leadership Council (ALC), golf tournaments, and more.

Furthermore, Susan has certified over 150 coaches in basketball, track & field, and softball as a clinician, significantly expanding the coaching pipeline and creating more opportunities for athlete growth. Her work as a liaison for families, caregivers, and group homes ensures streamlined communication and consistent support for athletes in multiple sports.

Her accolades include being named Capital District Region Coach of the Year, CDR Volunteer of the Year (2013), and recipient of the All Day Everyday Award (2022). In 2020, she was also recognized as St. Jude’s Volunteer of the Month.

Susan’s mantra, “We rise by lifting others,” reflects her servant leadership. A standout example was when she supported an athlete in overcoming his doubts to join the Regional Athlete Leadership Council—an act that empowered him and strengthened the broader team community.

Her commitment has also reached the national and international stage, having supported athletes at the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey, the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, and more than 35 State Games.

“Sue exemplifies the spirit, leadership, and lifelong dedication that define our movement,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics NY. “We are honored to recognize her incredible legacy with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.”

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