Category: Volunteer

Figure skater, coach, intern, and now staff—when it comes to Special Olympics New York, Nicole Fess has done it all.

Currently, Nicole serves as Director of Program for our Genesee Region. In this role, she oversees school-age community programs and Unified Champion Schools, helping to expand inclusive sports and educational opportunities across her region.

Nicole’s journey with Special Olympics began in 2011 in the Genesee Region. A lifelong figure skater, she discovered her passion for coaching after being invited to help the Silver Blades Figure Skating Team. “They needed an extra coach,” she recalls. “I went, and I fell in love.”

Since that moment, Nicole’s involvement has only grown. She went on to become the Head Coach of the Silver Blades team and interned with the Genesee Region’s program team while in college. She also served as Head of Delegation for the State Summer and Fall Games. In 2022, Nicole officially joined Special Olympics New York as a staff member.

Her dedication led her to an unforgettable opportunity in 2025, when she served as Head Coach for Special Olympics USA’s Figure Skating Team at the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

“It was the experience of a lifetime,” Nicole shares. “Especially because three of my eight skaters were from New York.”

Nicole finds the greatest joy in seeing her athletes thrive both on and off the ice. “Special Olympics gives people a chance to participate in sports who might not otherwise have the opportunity. It builds confidence, friendships, and a true sense of belonging and that’s what makes it so special.”

Nicole continues to embody the spirit of inclusion and passion that defines Special Olympics New York, inspiring athletes, coaches, and communities alike to see the power of sport in bringing people together.

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Largest Statewide Competition for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

Utica, NY – Special Olympics New York, Utica University and community leaders today announced that the Utica community will host the Special Olympics New York State Summer Games for the next three years.

State Summer Games is the largest statewide competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Games will be offered each June for more than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across the state to compete in six sports: Basketball, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Utica University and the surrounding communities to give our athletes a first-class State Summer Games where they will go for the gold in their favorite sports, reconnect with friends from all across New York, and meet new volunteers,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Making this three-year commitment to inclusion is a significant undertaking, and we are so grateful to our partners for their collaboration and support.”

“We’re excited to welcome more than 1,200 Special Olympics athletes and their coaches and families. With the support of the community, I know we’re going to make this a weekend to remember for everyone involved,” said Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel. “This is such a natural fit on so many levels, but in particular, the Special Olympics mission of providing opportunity aligns so closely with our own. We’re happy to have the Games back in Utica for three years and hopefully longer, and we cannot wait for next June to be here.”

“We are honored that the Special Olympics New York State Summer Games will be held in Oneida County for the next three years,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “This is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of courage, determination and inclusion. We look forward to welcoming these incredible athletes, their families and supporters and showing them the warmth, pride and spirit that define our community.”

In addition to the sports competitions, State Summer Games also includes a signature Special Olympics Opening Ceremony where participants and the community come together to celebrate inclusion, activities for aspiring young athletes from local elementary schools, a victory dance and a Healthy Athletes event where athletes receive free health screenings in several disciplines such as vision care, dental care, hearing, podiatry, nutrition and mental health.

Utica University will serve as the hub of State Summer Games, with Opening & Closing Ceremonies and most of the sports competitions held on site. The campus will also provide housing and meals for athletes and coaches. Additional venues slated to host State Summer Games events include Hamilton College (swimming), City of Utica (tennis) and Mohawk Valley Community College (volleyball).

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33 Locations in Five Regions Will Participate 

Albany, NY – Next week, Applebee’s will team up with local law enforcement agencies to support Special Olympics New York. 

On Thursday, April 10, from 5pm to 8pm,  Applebee’s restaurants will host a “Law & Orders” night. Members of local law enforcement and Special Olympic New York Athletes will join the staff from Applebee’s to become celebrity waiters for the night. They’ll help serve tables, bus, and host for the night to help raise funds for the local athletes.

“We look forward to our Law & Orders nights each and every year,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Our athletes enjoy seeing their friends in law enforcement, and we all enjoy meeting our greatest supporters in the community.” 

For a list of participating locations, please see below: 

Capital District Region 

• 255 Quaker Road, Queensbury, NY 12804
• 594 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144
• 2400 Cambridge Road, Schenectady, NY 12304
• 3 Lowe’s Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• 555 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
• 268 Saratoga Rd, Glenville, NY 12302 

Central Region 

• 3189 Erie Boulevard East, DeWitt, NY 13214
• 628 South Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212
• 3975 Route 31, Liverpool, NY 13090
• 221 Grant Avenue, Auburn, NY 13021
• 1794 Black River Blvd., Rome, NY 13440
• 4755 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY 13413
• 630 West State Street, Herkimer, NY 13350
• 300 Riverside Drive, Utica, NY 13502 

Genesee Region 

• 585 Moseley Road, Fairport, NY 14450
• 1955 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580
• 877 County Route 64, Elmira, NY 14903
• 4207 Recreation Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
• 4401 Genesee Valley Plaza, Geneseo, NY 14454
• 8322 Lewiston Road, Batavia, NY 14020 

Southern Tier Region 

• 3701 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850
• 2300 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
• 856 State Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045 

Western Region 

• 4405 Milestrip Road, Blasdell, NY 14219
• 1608 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
• 5822 South Transit Road, Lockport, NY 14094
• 340 East Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750
• 2656 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216
• 1785 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
• 3908 Vineyard Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048
• 3067 West State Street, Olean, NY 14760
• 4967 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043
• 1050 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend. 

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A Message from Our Staff

Friends,

It’s been another amazing year, and we couldn’t have done it without you! Today, we’re taking a look back at the year that was and looking forward to the year ahead. Thanks for always being there for our athletes!

All the best,

The Team at Special Olympics New York

#10: Pregame Impact in Health

Whether it was Hill Day advocacy or Virtual Health Forums, our health team has done outstanding work this year! Just check out these stats:

• Offered more than 2,000 health screenings throughout the state, which is the most we’ve had post-pandemic.
• Trained 9 Fitness Captains to bring athlete leadership to their training clubs.
• Trained more than 100 Health Professionals and more than 150 health students.

#9: A Place for All Volunteers

Our main focus is always sports, but there’s so much more going on behind the scenes. In 2024, we recruited more coaches, formed our Impact Club, and even added three new board members. Special shoutout to our newest member, Lt. Shaun Cuddeback, who will carry the Flame of Hope at next year’s World Games!

#8: Gold Medals & More at State Games

Among our three State Games this year, we hosted a total of 2,594 athletes and coaches and 1,455 volunteers. We raised also raised $390,000 in sponsorships and kicked off each event with Young Athletes showcases.

Special thanks to our communities in Syracuse, Ithaca, and Glens Falls for making these games so successful!

#7: Sponsors Keeping Us in the Game

This year, we had some bigtime sponsors supporting our athletes in a variety of ways.

Our thanks to the following sponsors for donating $50,000 or more EACH: Jersey Mike’s, Gallagher, The Golisano Foundation, NYS Elks Major Projects, Dunkin’, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Erie County, Warren County, and Bank of America.

#6: The Pros Step Up

New York’s professional sports franchises did so much for our athletes in 2024! Some examples…

• The New York Jets started our first High School Unified Flag Football League.
• The Buffalo Bills once again hosted our Buffalo Bowl at Highmark Stadium.
• The New York Islanders donated a generous $100k to our athletes.
• The New York Yankees hosted athlete clinics and donated $25k.
• The New York Knicks organized a basketball clinic for our athletes.

#5: Flag Football Frenzy

Our athletes had the opportunity of a lifetime when they played in this season’s New York Jets Unified Flag Football League. Best yet, they played the finals at MetLife Stadium!

#4: Athlete All-Stars

We could not be more proud of our athlete leaders!

In October, our Statewide Athlete Leadership Council graduated after an amazing three-year term. That included ALC Chair Jessica Spitz , who’s also the National ALC Mid-Atlantic Representative. Plus, our very own Billy Seide and Will Smith have both been selected to leadership roles at the 2026 USA Games; Billy to the Advisory Council and Will to the Board of Directors.

#3: Unified Generation

The #UnifiedGeneration has been working overtime to bring inclusion to schools! This year, they joined youth leadership summits in five regions.

Furthermore, 13 of those schools earned National Banner status: New Hyde Park Memorial, Sayville High, Amherst Central, Niagara Wheatfield, Pioneer Central, Canandaigua Academy, Manhattan Occupational Training Center, Canandaigua Middle School, Chittenango High, Fredonia High, Newburgh Free Academy, Glens Falls High, and Hoosick Falls High. Congratulations!

#2: The Polar Plunge Heats Up

$200,000 in Westchester, $300,000 in Lake George, $600,000 in Buffalo…no matter where you go, #PlungeNation, you’re making a massive impact on our athletes!

In fact, among the 12,000 people who Plunged this year, you helped us raise a total of $2,655,233 statewide. Thank you all so much!

#1: New York State Prioritizes Inclusion

Thanks for a fantastic 2024!

Looking forward to more in 2025. 🙂

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1,200 Athletes & Coaches from Across NYS to Compete in 8 Sports

The largest statewide Special Olympics New York competition of the year will return to Ithaca June 14 & 15, for the third consecutive year. More than 1,200 athletes and coaches from throughout the state will be in the area for State Summer Games competition in eight sports: Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. 

Local leaders and athletes hosted a press conference at the Tompkins Center for History and Culture today to announce the details of the Games and to recruit 450 volunteers from the Tompkins and Broome County communities.  

No sports experience is necessary to volunteer. There is a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers, and more. 

VOLUNTEER HERE!

Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman said, “Our athletes can’t wait to return to Ithaca for State Summer Games. They’re looking forward to the competition, first and foremost, but I know they’re also looking forward to seeing the friends they made in volunteers over the last two years. Thank you, Ithaca, for helping us make the 2024 State Summer Games our best yet.” 

Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish said, “Hosting Special Olympics New York has been one of the highlights of our campus over the last several years. Working with these athletes has imbued our spirits with inspiration and gratitude, and I implore the whole community to come out to cheer and volunteer along with us. You will be so glad you did.” 

Special Olympics New York Athlete Kelley Snedecker, of Ithaca, said, “My teammates and I can’t wait to go for the gold at State Summer Games. Please come out and volunteer to support our team and all of the athletes.” 

Tompkins County Chair Dan Klein said, “Having Tompkins County host Special Olympics New York is an honor for our community. We know that we can add to the great experience that the athletes will have, and that the athletes will also add to the great experience that is Tompkins County. I urge area residents to step up to volunteer to help make this event even more successful.”

On Friday, June 14, athletes and coaches will travel to Ithaca from throughout the state, coming together for a signature Opening Ceremonies at Ithaca College, beginning at 7 p.m.. Sports competitions will take place all day Saturday, June 15, at: Ithaca College (Swimming, Basketball, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Volleyball); Ithaca High School (Track & Field); Midway Lanes (Bowling); and Cornell University (Tennis), followed by Closing Ceremonies at Ithaca College. 

State Summer Games is currently sponsored by: Tompkins County (lead sponsor), Bonide, BorgWarner, Broome County, Cayuga Health System, Challenge Solutions, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Chobani, Coughlin & Gerhart, NYS Department of Civil Service, Gallagher, Guthrie, New York Islanders, NYAble, NYCM Insurance and, New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID). 

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National Volunteer Month may be ending, but that shouldn’t stop you from volunteering with Special Olympics New York. It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!

Our organization isn’t just about helping our athletes realize their potential—it’s about showing their skill to communities all around the state. As a volunteer, you’ll get to see that impact up close. Plus, you’ll make lifelong friendships along the way.

“I started as a day-of volunteer, unaware of just how much Special Olympics would inspire me and change my life for the better,” says Jill Warner of the Capital District Region. “Volunteers across the state come back year after year because working with the athletes really gives our lives a sense of purpose and community. If you’re considering becoming a volunteer, I can attest that not only will you not regret it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!”

Special Olympics New York has many opportunities to get involved. Here are a few favorites.

• State Games: Our State Games cap off our three sports seasons, and they’re the highest level of completion offered in New York State. We over a variety of volunteer jobs, from set up and breakdown to officiating, scorekeeping, and photography.
• Regional Competitions: For those who want to volunteer in their own backyards, we’ve got year-round local competitions in every corner of the state.
• Impact Club: Want to join our movement from the comfort of your own home? Members of the volunteer Impact Club support our athletes by fulfilling needed tasks on our behalf.
• Healthy Athletes: Did you know Special Olympics offers free health screenings for athletes at all major events? If you’re a medical professional, this is the job for you.
• Coaching: The ultimate volunteer job is working directly with our athletes as a coach or sports assistant in one of our 22 sports. The commitment per season is at least two hours per week for practices, plus travel to Regional and State Games.

Volunteering for Special Olympics NY is a transformative experience that offers countless rewards, both for athletes and volunteers.

Ready to get started? Volunteer here!

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Volunteers Invited To Help Drive Inclusion in Communities Statewide

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is launching a new volunteer club as charity organizations across the country celebrate National Volunteer Month this April. Members of the all-new Impact Club will help drive the inclusion of people with disabilities in communities across the state by performing administrative tasks via phone and email on behalf of Special Olympics New York. Volunteers will not be asked to solicit cash donations.

Volunteers interested in joining the Impact Club are asked to contact impact@nyso.org for more information.

“Special Olympics New York is an incredible organization that allows people with disabilities to discover the champion within – it’s a critical service that would not be possible without the thousands of New Yorkers who volunteer to support our athletes,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are humbled and extremely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our coaches and event volunteers. We look forward to celebrating these individuals throughout Volunteer Month and to welcoming new ambassadors of inclusion who join the Impact Club.”

“I can’t wait to work with our Impact Club volunteers to support my fellow athletes and bring the magic of Special Olympics to even more families across New York,” said Capital Region Athlete & Special Olympics NY Awareness Coordinator Jude Killar. “On behalf of all the athletes, thank you to the current volunteers who help us out all year. You are our champions!”

Impact Club volunteers will be eligible for Community Service credit hours. Tasks will be assigned monthly, with an anticipated time commitment of at least 2 hours per week. The ideal Impact Club volunteer is organized, friendly, patient and professional.

Volunteers will be trained virtually by Special Olympics New York staff and provided with the resources needed to complete tasks such as: contacting coaches for updated information, requesting auction items from area businesses, recruiting volunteers for sports competitions and events, and surveying stakeholders. Learn more here.

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Happy New Year, friends!

We’d like to thank you all for your support by taking one last look back on 10 of our favorite moments from 2023. We look forward to making new memories with you in the year to come!

– The Team at Special Olympics New York

#10: Bocce Bonanza

With several schools adding Unified bocce (including our first-ever Unified bocce league in New York City’s Public Schools), numerous corporate events, and a fabulous showing at the Governor’s DREAM Symposium, bocce was one of our most popular sports of 2023.

Click here to find a bocce club near you!

#9: An Array of Awards

We couldn’t pick just one! Our athletes, coaches, and volunteers earned numerous awards and honors, including the following…

– Joe Bellini (top left) won the Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach Award
– Will Smith (top middle) named to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Board of Directors
– Dr. Claire Watson (top right) earned the Golisano Health Leadership Award
– Justin Latimer (bottom left) recognized for the LETR International Executive Council Athlete Award
– Billy Seide (bottom middle) became a Shoutcaster at the 2023 Gaming for Inclusion showcase
– Matt Graham (bottom right) won the Al Fermet Achievement Award

And last but certainly not least, congratulations to Coach of the Year Linda Rainer and Athlete of the Year Erik Viscardo!

#8: 8 New National Banner Schools

New York State continues to add inclusive schools each year. Joining our ranks in 2023 were the following…

1. Arlington High School
2. Columbia High School
3. Dunkirk High School
4. East Aurora High School
5. Niskayuna High School
6. Northport High School
7. Pembroke Junior-Senior High School
8. Silver Creek High School

Congratulations to these outstanding communities! Learn more here.

#7: Floorball Debuts in NYC

Our newest sport, floorball, got rolling at the Javits Center in December. It’s an exciting, fast-paced game that promises competitive opportunities for athletes at the local level, in schools, and all the way to the world stage.

Look for our first state-level floorball competition at Winter Games in Syracuse in February! And learn more about floorball at this link.

#6: Big Time Tech Innovations

Whether it’s our new coaches’ portal or our online volunteer process, we’ve been hard at work upgrading our technology.

P.S. If you haven’t updated your coach profile, contact your regional office for the new year!

#5: Advances in Athlete Health

We know healthy athletes are successful athletes, which is why we’ve invested so much into our Health programs in 2023. Just look at these results:

– Offered nearly 2,000 health screenings and 400 referrals
– Launched our Healthcare Provider Directory to centralize trusted provider contact information
– Began our Virtual Health Forums, where athletes receive health tips from experts
– Saw some essential advocacy come to fruition

Hats off to our health staff and volunteers! And learn more about our Health programs here.

#4: Record-Breaking Polar Plunges

• Staten Island with $110,000
• Ithaca with $112,000
• Oneida Shores with $150,000
• Lake George with $210,000
• Fishkill with $228,000
• Westchester with $265,000
• Buffalo with $544,000

#3: Taking the World Stage

Nineteen delegates, five top-five finishes, and one amazing week in Berlin. The 2023 Special Olympics World Games may be over—but we’ve got memories to last a lifetime! See some of our favorites here.

#2: Recruiting Athletes All Over the State

We made some big promises in our Strategic Plan, and we’re delivering. In 2023, we reached 42,000 athletes throughout New York State, which is a 32% increase and puts us on track to meet our goal of 71,000 by 2025.

In addition, we now have a record 10,000 Young Athletes registered in programs for children age 12 and under, including developmental sports for athletes with all abilities.

Click here to join out movement!

#1: A Historic Partnership with NYC Schools

In March, Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor David C. Banks, and Special Olympics NY President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman announced an expanded partnership to broaden access to Special Olympics sports in the country’s largest school district!

Find out more at this link.

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March is Women’s History Month, so there’s no better time to spotlight some of the most dedicated women in our community. In this article, we’d like you to meet two Special Olympics New York moms (one of them a coach) and a member of our Board of Directors.

Leslie and Shirlie Spence

Leslie and Shirlie Spence are the proud mothers of Capital District Region athlete Matt Graham. They were thrilled to celebrate Women’s History Month with us!

“This month showcases women of all races and their accomplishments,” Leslie and Shirlie said. “It shows young girls and women that they can succeed in anything they do.”

Regarding ways to commemorate this month, they had a key suggestion: “We need to talk more. We should support and encourage the women around us: Young, old, everyone. Age has nothing to do with it.”

And what is Special Olympics doing to support the movement?

“We feel that Special Olympics is on the right path,” said Leslie and Shirlie. “We’ve seen many coaches help and encourage women to try sports that mostly men have done in the past. Special Olympics encourages women athletes to become advocates for themselves.”

Thank you for your wisdom, Leslie and Shirlie!

Anishah Cumber-Taj, Esq.

As a special education lawyer and member of the Special Olympics New York Board of Directors, Anishah Cumber-Taj has essential insight on the importance of this month.

“Women’s History Month is about recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in history,” she said. “It is a time to remember how much women have done for us, but also to remember that we still have a lot of work to do to make this world truly equitable for women.”

To start doing that work, Anishah made an excellent suggestion.

“Read (or listen to audiobooks)! This is a great time to learn about important women in history, like Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who started Special Olympics. One of my favorite books to read with my 5-year-old daughter is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women, which has short biographical stories about important and influential women.”

And how does Special Olympics fit into all this?

“I love that Special Olympics is inclusive of everyone,” Anishah said. “What matters most is your willingness to work hard.”

Continue the Celebration

If you’d like to meet more amazing women from our community, we encourage you to read these articles:

• Maddie Csont Describes How Special Olympics New York Taught Her to Lead
• Martha Pachuta Earns National Coaching Award
• Ellen Pikula Officiates Softball at USA Games 2022
• Kayla McKeon Advocates for People with ID on Capitol Hill
• Stacey Hengsterman Earns “Above & Beyond” Award

Happy Women’s History Month!

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To celebrate Black History Month, we spotlighted four members of our community all February long. Meet Marilyn, Ceylane, Andra, and Omar in this post!

Omar Barry

Hailing from Binghamton, Omar has been a Special Olympics New York athlete from a young age, starting when a teacher invited him to join. Since then, he’s participated at the local, regional, and even national level. Last June, he competed at USA Games in Orlando, earning several medals in the Pentathlon.

“Special Olympics has changed my life ever since I first joined,” said Omar. “I made so many new friends.”

Omar competes in several sports, including cross-country running in the fall, floor hockey and Alpine skiing in the winter, and track & field in the summer. His coaches describe him as “always positive and hardworking.”

Omar recognizes the importance of this month. “Black History Month means so much to me and many other African-Americans,” he said. “Never let anyone shame you for being Black. Always stand up for yourself.”

Marilyn Best

We’re especially thrilled to highlight Marilyn this month because she’s our Coach of the Year nominee for the New York City Region! She’s been with us since 1984, the same year she started working at New York State’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

“With my love of sports and my love for working in the IDD field,” Marilyn explained, “I decided to become a Special Olympics coach.”

She’s coached numerous sports with us, including basketball, softball, bocce, track & field, floor hockey, and volleyball, leading teams to the local, super regional, and national levels. All that experience has been life-changing.

“My athletes are considered part of my family. I watch their growth, skill development, determination, and willpower. I’m thankful and grateful for the accomplishments the athletes have made in different sports.”

Marilyn also told us how honored she is to celebrate Black history this month.

“Our ancestors fought for us,” she said. “We must show them respect and pay tribute to the continued struggle. We can start by supporting Black-owned businesses and teaching the youth how to take it further. Finally, this is the time to listen to our children. We can learn a lot from them.”

Andra got her start working with people with disabilities during her undergrad years at Seton Hall University.

“I often volunteered with children who had intellectual disabilities and immediately knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field,” she explained. “Once the position at Special Olympics NY opened, I just knew I had to apply. That’s how I got here today!”

When asked about the importance of this month, Andra was effusive.

“Black History Month is a celebration to our ancestors, their excellence and their motivation to always strive for greatness despite the constant struggle they’ve faced from the moment we were brought to this country.”

And what can everyone do to support the movement?

“Support Black-owned businesses within your community,” Andra suggested. “Educate yourselves about our culture and struggles we’ve faced and continue to face. In the words of Yvette Clarke, ‘We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African-Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.'”

Ceylane Meyers-Ruff

As the Chair of Special Olympics New York’s Board of Directors, Ceylane Meyers-Ruff has a profound impact on our organization—and it goes both ways!

“Special Olympics NY has had a tremendous impact on my life,” she said. “The best part of being on the Board is the opportunity to get to know the athletes and staff. I love that by going to games, fundraisers, and by working with the Athlete Leadership Council, I have been able to build friendships.”

In Ceylane’s words, Black History is more than a month.

“I live Black History everyday,” she said. “As an African-American woman, I know that Black History is American History. As Americans, people of the African diaspora have made major contributions to this country and our story didn’t start with slavery. People of many diverse backgrounds have contributed to the great country we have today. It is important that everyone is knowledgeable about that history. It is also important to recognize that diversity is strength, which is why every culture should be appreciated.”

And what can Special Olympics NY do to support Black communities? Ceylane believes education is the key.

“While our athletes, coaches, and staff come from a variety of backgrounds, we need to do more to educate the public about our diversity,” she said. “As we implement the Special Olympics New York Strategic Plan, we want people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to know that they are welcomed. At Special Olympics NY, we believe in you, we see your potential and we know that you are capable of great things. If you or someone you know isn’t a part of Special Olympics NY, now is the time to get involved. And, to all of our African-American athletes, coaches, and staff, please know that you are making history and I am so very proud of you!”

Thanks for Celebrating With Us

As our spotlighted speakers have stated, Black History is more than just a month. Let’s continue to advocate, celebrate, and illuminate, now and into the future!

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When Ellen Pikula got the news, she had to tell someone. So she emailed her supervisor with the following message:

“This selection is by far the greatest honor in my officiating career.”

What was she so excited about? She’s been selected to officiate softball at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida!

Ellen has been a vital member of Special Olympics New York for more than 20 years. She currently works as Director of Program in the Hudson Valley Region, but her involvement is so much deeper. A brief list of Ellen’s accolades:

Ellen officiating a softball competition.

• Track & Field coach at World Games 1995
• Head of Delegation at USA Games 2010
• Softball coach at the pre-2014 USA Unified Softball Invitational
• Head track & field coach at USA Games 2014
• Powerlifting coach at USA Games 2016

In addition to all that, Ellen has officiated volleyball for nine years, track & field for five, and football for two. Some of these sports have been though Special Olympics, though she’s officated for high schools, NCAA, and USA Softball. Though she values all her experience, Ellen recognizes that officiating Special Olympics is different.

“Special Olympics athletes are far less reserved,” she observes. “From my perspective, they seemingly enjoy the game a great deal more. Granted, in a close game, it can get heated. However, there is an overarching feel of fun that just envelops the entirety of it. It’s amazing!”

Ellen came to Special Olympics New York in 1992, making her one of the organization’s longest-tenured employees. After earning coaching certification in several sports through an agency in Somors, NY, she was invited to apply to a local position within the organization. She’d been with Special Olympics NY ever since.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lend my services to an outstanding organization that serves the most gracious group of individuals I have come to know,” she said.

When asked what tips she has for USA Games athletes, Ellen was a bit less effusive.

“Well, as an official…I would have nothing major to offer in that department,” she said. “Just listen to what your coaches are teaching you and have a good time doing it!”

And after so many years, how does Ellen keep at it? Easy.

“It’s about appreciation, respect, dedication, and pure, unadulterated joy,” she said. “That’s what I get to see and feel every time I walk onto a field with Special Olympics athletes.”

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On April 22, 2021, the Special Olympics New York family lost Charlie Jones to pancreatic cancer. Affectionately nicknamed “Bones” for his slender physique, Charlie was with our organization from the very beginning. He served as an area coordinator, sport director, clinician, official, coach, and so much more.

Below, several members of our community expressed what Bones meant to them.

#

“Charlie had a keen sense for what our athletes needed. He helped shape the organization from its earliest moments by advising leadership, recruiting athletes, and training many of our first coaches and volunteers. Over more than five decades, he continued to have an impact in several official roles, most importantly as a mentor and friend to athletes, families, and staff. Truly, we would not be who we are today without Charlie. His passing will be felt deeply throughout Special Olympics New York for many years to come.”

– Stacey Hengsterman, Special Olympics NY President & CEO

“At the heart of Bones’s dedication to Special Olympics was his boundless belief in the value of sports training and competition for those among us who may be differently abled. Add to all this, he was a gentleman who dedicated his entire adult life to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and to bring greater acceptance for them in our society.”

– Neal Johnson, former President & CEO

“Everyone knew a little bit about Bones, saw him at one event or another, but he was also a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a volunteer, a golfer, a very picky eater, an official, a sport director, a coordinator, a friend, a mentor, quietly comedic, compassionate, a gentleman, a genuine person…a man with a huge heart!”

– Ellen Pikula, Director of Program, Hudson Valley Region

“Working with Bones at our State Games basketball and golf competitions has been one of the highlights of my time with Special Olympics NY. It was always inspiring to see up close his dedication to ensuring our athletes had the best experience possible – I have tried to model my own approach after his. It was a pleasure to work with him over the years and I will treasure the friendship I built with him and Sue, his wonderful wife. It will be impossible to fill his shoes, but we can honor Bones by making sure our service to the athletes of Special Olympics NY would make him proud.”

– Daniel Kuberka, Director of Program, Western Region

“Words cannot express the sorrow and heartbreak of hearing the news of your passing. Thank you for all you have done, my friend. You will always be an inspiration to many and your legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come. Gone from our sights, but never from our hearts.”

– Teresa Gilli, Director of Development, Hudson Valley Region

“I did not have the opportunity to interact with Charlie near enough, but when I did, he just had this way of welcoming you in, making you feel like family from the minute you met. He had an infectious laugh, a smile that could be felt, and a dedication to Special Olympics that will forever leave its mark. I did not interact with Charlie near enough, but he was family.”

– Danielle Armstrong, Associate Director of Program, Capital District Region

“My prayers go out to [Charlie’s] family. I will play golf forever because of Charlie ‘Bones’ Jones. He is the greatest golf coach I ever had…[He] will be missed by many of us. RIP Charlie ‘Bones’ Jones.”

– Katy Sanchez, Special Olympics NY athlete

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