Category: Western
As a longtime athlete from Western New York, Nicholas Kenzie has spent over a decade training with Special Olympics New York. He’s ecstatic to travel to Minneapolis this June where he’ll make his USA Games debut in the pool!
For over 10 years, Nick has competed with the Chautauqua Lakers in multiple sports including bowling, curling, bocce, golf, and swimming. He’s taking his training to the next level at his local fitness center, swimming laps three days a week along with strength training to boost his endurance. Winning a medal in a competition makes him the proudest, not just for himself but for his entire team.
“Being involved in Special Olympics, I have a ‘chosen family’,” he said. “These athletes and coaches are like family to me. We gather together and support each other.”
Outside of Nick’s training schedule, he volunteers at his local YMCA’s summer camp, along with his communities’ Humane Society. Nick also has a big interest in history and current events; ask him a question about a president or museum and he’ll share some fun facts with you!
Attending USA Games gives Nick the opportunity to represent Team New York on a national level, bringing his small-town pride in Mayville to the big stage. His long road of competition has led him to work the hardest he ever has, and Nick is excited to show the games his dedication in and out of the pool.
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Every year, Special Olympics athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters gather in our nation’s capital to advocate for inclusion. It’s called Capitol Hill Day, and it’s an annual highlight on the calendar.
This year, students and faculty from East Aurora High School made the long journey from our Western Region all the way to Washington D.C. Their names are Sadie Freier, Cameron Jakubec, Tara Arnold, and Clare Cavanaugh.
Sadie is an athlete at East Aurora, competing in Unified bowling and basketball. Cameron, a partner, is the co-president of East Aurora’s Unified Club. Tara is the school’s Unified advisor, and Clare is a Special Education teacher at the school. Along with staff and athletes from Special Olympics New York, this amazing group spent their day meeting and advocating for the future of their peers.
“I liked sharing my story with the legislators,” said Sadie. “They were very nice. I got to meet new people from all across the United States.”
“My favorite part of the experience was being able to meet so many new people and learn all about their stories and how they got involved in the Special Olympics,” Cameron added. “[It’s amazing] that so many people are able to come together and travel to advocate for what they are so passionate about.”
And it wasn’t just the students who came home with lasting memories.
“Capitol Hill Day was an experience that I will never forget,” said Clare. “The Unified program at our high school, led by Tara Arnold, is the largest club at our high school, and it’s student-run. It is so beautiful to see the authentic friendships that have formed over the years and how our community embraces the Unified spirit.”
So what’s next for the Unified spirit at East Aurora? Sadie put it best.
“We still need to advocate for Special Olympics,” she said. “Because everyone should have the same opportunities as everyone else.”
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Every four years, all 50 states and several Caribbean nations send their best athletes and Unified partners to compete for the gold at USA Games. This June, Special Olympics New York is sending 82 delegates, including golf coach Kevin Anderson.
As a dedicated coach with Special Olympics NY, Kevin has spent over a decade shaping athletes’ lives in golf, swimming, and bocce. He has previously attended the USA Games in both 2014 and 2022. In 2024, he earned Special Olympics North America’s Outstanding Coach of the Year Award, recognizing those who best demonstrate the true ideals of the coaching profession in their local program. Yet for Kevin, these distinctions are secondary to the relationships he’s built along the way.
“It is great, the way a group of individuals comes together from all over the state and we become a team,” he said. “It’s a unique experience. The opportunity to mentor young adults and watch them grow to become not only better athletes but also lead fulfilling rich lives, is humbling to say the least…I believe that becoming a Special Olympics coach was one of the wisest, if not the wisest, decision I ever made.”
Together with thousands of coaches with Special Olympics NY, Kevin Anderson’s impact goes far beyond wins and competitions. His years of experience in various sports consistently shows his deep commitment to helping athletes grow in confidence and ability. Above all, Kevin’s continuous dedication to inclusion embodies the true spirit of Special Olympics NY.
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Albany, NY – Applebee’s is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies to support Special Olympics New York.
On Thursday, April 16, 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 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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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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Nick Zmuda, of Lackawanna, New York, has been competing in Special Olympics for most of his life. He began training in figure skating at 13 and has since participated in a wide range of sports, including softball, basketball, floor hockey, track & field and bowling. Over the years, his dedication to sport and inclusion has taken him around the world, including traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, to compete at the Special Olympics 2001 World Games.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Nick has taken on leadership roles within Special Olympics. As a trained Global Messenger, he has spoken at events to raise awareness about inclusion and the power of athletics. In 2012, he made history as the first athlete to receive the Law Enforcement Torch Run International Executive Council Athlete Award, chosen from among all Special Olympics athletes worldwide for his dedication to Special Olympics and the Torch Run.
Nick Zmuda has also contributed to Special Olympics in New York by becoming the first athlete member appointed to the Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee, providing an important athlete voice in leadership. He participates regularly in community events such as “Law & Orders,” Polar Plunges, the Buffalo Bowl and Over the Edge fundraisers, helping to promote awareness and support for Special Olympics.
Our Special Olympics athletes pour their hearts into every practice and competition—pushing limits, building confidence, and striving for greatness every single day. But reaching their full potential takes more than dedication. It takes support.
Your gift provides the critical resources athletes need to train, compete, and shine on and off the field. With your help, athletes like Nick can continue chasing their dreams—and achieving what once seemed impossible.
Make a difference today by supporting athletes like Nick. Click here.
Your end-of-year gift helps Nick Zmuda and 48,000 athletes across New York train, compete, and lead with confidence, pride, and opportunity.
Give today and make a difference that lasts all year long, empowering athletes to shine both on and off the field.
Click these links to become an Athlete or Volunteer!
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For Brian and Tracy Warren, the Buffalo Hot Shots are a second family. So when they were chosen to represent New York at the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Softball Championship last month in Oklahoma, they were positively psyched.
Of course, making a long trip at such short notice isn’t easy. A team that started with 10 athletes quickly grew to 26, which made the 13-athlete roster a difficult decision for Brian and his wife/co-coach, Tracy. Nonetheless, they teamed up with their fellow coaches to assemble a great squad.
“All of them were very excited for what would be one of the biggest events for them,” said Brian. “Their reactions were fun to hear, wondering who was more excited, players or parents.”
Once their roster was set, the Hot Shots got in their reps. They added a second day of practice outside their usual three-and-a-half hours of training, knowing they were facing other teams from the southern United States whose local climate allows for longer seasons. Brian always strives to make practices fun for athletes and coaches because of the bonds they’ve all built together as a team.
The Buffalo Hot Shots played a total of nine games in just three days while in Oklahoma. (That’s more games than some Special Olympics New York teams play in a single season!) The games started off with a rainy gold medal round, and the bats for the Hot Shots warmed up too late and ended with a tough loss, sending the team to the bronze medal game. Still, the Hot Shots were fired up, and nothing stopped them from winning and bringing home those medals.
“Seeing these teams battle, sometimes losing by a lot, but the friendships that are made are so awesome,” Brian said. “Special Olympics NY knows it’s a competition, but when the competitions are over, they will have a new friend when all is done.”
Brian and Tracy worked hard with their team throughout the summer to be selected for the SONA Championship. Other teams, players, and coaches tell them they love to see the comradery of the Hot Shots. And after such an amazing experience, they’ve only grown closer.
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19 Locations in 8 Regions Will Participate
Albany, NY – Tomorrow, Texas Roadhouse will team up with local law enforcement agencies to support Special Olympics New York.
On Wednesday, October 22, from 5pm to 8pm, Texas Roadhouse restaurants will host a “Law & Orders” night. Members of local law enforcement and Special Olympic New York Athletes will join the staff to become celebrity waiters for the night. They’ll greet guests and serve tables to help raise funds for the local athletes.
“We are so excited to expand our Texas Roadhouse partnership to a statewide event this year. 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
- 105 Wolf Road, Albany
- 820 US-9, Queensbury
Central Region
- 3143 Erie Blvd. East, Syracuse
- 20790 State Route 3, Watertown
- 3830 NYS Route 31, Liverpool
- 4511 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
- 140 NYS Route 104 E Ste. T, Oswego
Genesee Region
- 1750 County Route 64, Horseheads
- 3150 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester
- 3065 West Ridge Road, Rochester
Hudson Valley
- 2323 South Road, Poughkeepsie
Long Island
- 2571 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 100, East Meadow
- 502 Commack Road, Deer Park
- 289 Middle Country Road, Selden
North Country
- 356 Cornelia Street, Plattsburgh
Southern Tier Region
- 4399 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal
- 719-25 South Meadow Street, Ithaca
Western Region
- 900 Youngs Street, Tonawanda
- 3755 Union Road, Cheektowaga
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.
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Over 300 Athletes and Unified Partners from US and Canada Set to Compete
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania – Ten Special Olympics New York athletes and Unified partners are ready for a competition like no other: The 2025 Special Olympics North America Golf Championship.
Held in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania and hosted by Special Olympics North America with support from Penn National Golf Club, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Golf Association of Pennsylvania, WellSpan Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Penn State Mont Alto, Champion Teamwear, Coca Cola, PGA TOUR, and Topgolf, this four-day event features over 300 athletes and Unified partners from 22 Special Olympics Programs in the United States and Canada.
“We are proud to have these athletes and partners representing New York State at this unique competition,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We’ll be cheering them on from home as they strive to achieve their best.”
Special Olympics NY will send 14 delegation members to the championship, including two coaches and two additional support staff. Their roster includes the following athletes and partners:
- Phil Isaacson, Athlete, Capital District Region
- Jeff Isaacson, Unified Partner, Capital District Region
- Edward O’Hearn, Athlete, Capital District Region
- Theresa Lee, Unified Partner, Capital District Region
- Michael Cardone, Athlete, Central Region
- Jacqueline Colone, Athlete, Central Region
- Ryan Goldacker, Athlete, Central Region
- Chris Bovee, Unified Partner, Genesee Region
- Missy Potter, Athlete, Genesee Region
- Aiden Gierlinger, Athlete, Western Region
Competition takes place August 25-28 with awards on August 28. Delegations will join in an exciting Opening Ceremony on August 25. Competition will be offered in traditional and Unified Sports® team formats. Special Olympics Unified Sports® brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. Free health screenings for athletes and Unified partners will be available with Fit Feet (podiatry screenings) being offered on Tuesday, August 26.
For members of the media seeking interviews with athletes or Unified partners upon their return, please contact Casey Vattimo at cvattimo@nyso.org.
Questions about the Special Olympics North America Golf Championship should be directed to Rachel McQuiston, Director, Marketing and Communications, Special Olympics North America at rmcquiston@specialolympics.org.
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Over 70 Teams to Compete in 6-on-6 Flag Football Tournament, Raising $250,000 to Support Local Athletes
Buffalo, NY – Special Olympics New York is proud to announce the return of its signature event, the Buffalo Bowl, to Highmark Stadium for its 9th consecutive year. Taking place Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, the two-day 6-on-6 flag football tournament will feature more than 70 teams from across New York State, all competing on the same field as the Buffalo Bills.
Presented by the New Era Cap Foundation, with additional support from sponsors including Erie County, Delaware North, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the event is expected to raise $250,000 in support of Special Olympics New York athletes. Other community sponsors include First Student, 95 Nutrition, Bflo Hydration, LaBella and Associates, What’s Next Eric DuVall Foundation, Excelsior Orthopaedics, and Dent Neurological Institute.
“This event is one of the largest and most impactful in our calendar,” said Erica Raepple, Senior Director of Development. “It not only celebrates athleticism and inclusion, but also ensures our athletes have access to year-round training and competition in 22 Olympic-style sports—at no cost to them or their families.”
The action begins Friday, June 6, with the First Responders Division. Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., and games will begin at 6:00 p.m. The tournament continues Saturday, June 7, with Opening Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. and games beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Each division will be welcomed with its own unique Opening Ceremony, featuring a Special Olympics New York athlete performing the National Anthem and leading the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” These inspiring moments set the tone for a weekend of inclusion, sportsmanship, and community celebration.
In keeping with the spirit of inclusion, Special Olympics athletes will also be competing on the field as members of participating teams, exemplifying the power of unified sports to break down barriers and build lasting friendships.
All proceeds from the Buffalo Bowl support Special Olympics New York’s mission to provide inclusive athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to build confidence, friendships, and skills both on and off the field.
“Buffalo Bowl is my favorite day of the year! It’s even better than Christmas and my birthday,” said Amy Zelasko, Special Olympics New York athlete and long-time participant. “I look forward to it every year!”
Media are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please park in Lot 2 and enter through Gate 2.
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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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Pushing the boundaries and exploring new horizons.
That is exactly what athlete Julia Harries does. Julia became involved with Special Olympics a little over a decade ago. Since then, she has emerged as a champion swimmer and has taken on additional sports such as Unified bocce. Her most memorable achievements include winning a gold medal in swimming and a silver medal in Unified bocce at the Special Olympics New York State Games.
Through her experiences with Special Olympics New York, Julia has unearthed new strengths, abilities, and successes, celebrating them with a resounding BOOYA!!!!! She shared, “After suffering a brain injury at age 9, it was the Special Olympics that gave me the courage to be brave and pursue my dream to swim again.”
She is a member of the Special Olympics New York Athlete Leadership Council, serving as a mentor to fellow athletes and as a public ambassador for Special Olympics. Julia often represents the nonprofit as a spokesperson, raising awareness and advocating the potential for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, Julia is a skilled motivational speaker and founded License to Smile. She also currently works as a sales associate at 95 Nutrition.
On perseverance, Julia says “You need to stretch your limits and look beyond your boundaries. Perseverance does not mean that there is always success at the end. Perseverance means in times of difficulty to Keep on Going, Don’t Stop, Be Determined and Never Give Up!”
Check out Julia in the Media:
www.instagram.com/p/CxIhnbXAvkb/
www.instagram.com/reel/CyjvfDvuxzP/
Polar-plunge-weekend-in-buffalo-raises-a-record-setting-450000-for-special-olympics-new-york
Our Special Olympics athletes dedicate countless hours to training, competing, and striving for greatness.
However, reaching the peak of their success often requires more than just talent and determination; it also requires vital financial support.
Your contribution can significantly influence their path to achievement.
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Buffalo, NY – Students with and without disabilities in Western New York have benefitted so much from the Special Olympics New York Unified Champion Schools program over the years that 12 schools are now playing a third sport: Unified Bocce.
In Unified Sports, people with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates. Inclusive Youth Leadership roles are also established at school, giving students opportunities to recruit, fundraise, and attend social engagements with their peers. Taken together, the inclusive sports and social experiences have led to enhanced school climates throughout the country where there is less bullying, improved academic outcomes and a greater appreciation of the abilities of all students.
“The power of Unified Sports is unparalleled,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Students make friends they may otherwise never get the chance to meet. They compete as equals with their peers cheering their teams from the sidelines. This unified generation is showing us all what true inclusion looks like and why it’s important.”
Four Unified Champion Schools added bocce last year: Dunkirk, Fredonia, Cheektowaga, and Iroquois. They inspired eight new schools to join them this year: Lackawanna, Orchard Park, Springville, Sweet Home, Cattaraugus Little Valley, Cassadaga, Pine Valley, and Silver Creek.
To learn more about Unified Sports, click here. For those interested in bringing Unified to their schools, click here.
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