BROCKPORT - JUNE 5-7, 2015

STATE SUMMER GAMES

to all the athletes and coaches participating in the

2015 Special Olympics Summer Games!

from your friends at

Good Luck

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

FounderDorothy Buehring Phillips (1910-1994)

Special Olympics New YorkBoard of Directors

Honorary Chairman Andrew M. CuomoGovernor, State of New York

OfficersFrank Mitola, ChairmanRichard Zerah, TreasurerEddie Lee, Secretary

DirectorsAaron BifaroKevin BrownHeather DwyerRaheem HajiRosemary JohnsonPatricia MartinelliMark O’CallaghanDr. Christopher A. Kus, M.D. M.P.H.Helen SquillaceRichard Salinardi, Immediate Past PresidentNeal J. Johnson, Ex Officio, President & CEO

Contact Special Olympics New York1-800-836-6976 (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 Yorkand

Congratulates all of the Athletes

Everyone is a champion!

Carmine MusumeciState Deputy

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

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 year’s Games. We are recognized as one of the nation’s 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! Sincerely, Maggie Brooks Monroe County Executive

05-2817 © 2015 Northwestern 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 Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

ONE OF OUR GREATEST ASSETS IS OUR COMMUNITY. THAT’S WHY WE’RE 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 Director345 Woodcliff Dr Ste 162rochester.nm.com

Thank you to

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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. We’d 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 MitolaPresident & CEO Chairman, Board of DirectorsSpecial Olympics New York Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor, State of New YorkHonorary Chairman

Frank MitolaChairman

Neal J. JohnsonPresident & CEO

Dorothy Buehring Phillips(1910 - 1994) Founder

Special Olympics New York504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 Tel + 1 518 388 0790 Fax + 1 518 388 0795Twitter @SONYInfo Facebook SpecialOlympicsNewYork www.SpecialOlympicsNY.orgCreated by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the benefit of persons with intellectual disabilities

Independent Perspective | Real-World Solutions

Patrick Cunningham Chief Executive Officer

Manning & Napier 290 Woodcliff DriveFairport, NY 14450 (585) 325-6880 | phone (800) 551-0224 | toll-free

www.manning-napier.com

The Special Olympics: 2015 State Summer Games

We are proud to support

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.

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 Rochester’s 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!

Don’t 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 EVENTSFriday, June 51:00 pm – 5:00 pm Delegation Check-In - Control Center-Harmon/Gordon Building 30/314:00 pm – 10:00 pm Olympic Village – Lot U- parking lot between Tuttle & Stadium5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Dinner Athletes/Coaches Dining Center- Harrison, The Square & Brockway6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Head of Delegation Meeting6:30 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 66:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast for All Athletes/Coaches Dining Centers Competition Start Times8:00 am – 4:30 pm Athletics - EKS Stadium, College at Brockport 8:45 am – 5:00 pm Aquatics – James B. Fulton Natatorium, College at Brockport11:00 am – 4:30 pm Basketball - Tuttle North Gymnasium, SERC house of fields9:00 am – 2:00 pm Bowling AMF Dewey Lanes – Rochester12:00 pm – 3:30 pm Gymnastics - Tuttle North Gymnastics Center, College at Brockport8:00 am – 3:30 pm Powerlifting - Tower Fine Arts Center, College at Brockport9:00 am – 4:00 pm Tennis - Tennis Courts, College at Brockport8:30 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 Village10:30 am – 1:00 pm Box Lunch Distribution to Athletes/Coaches - All Venues4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Victory Dinner -Dining Centers -Harrison, The Square & Brockway7:00 pm-7:45 pm Unified Basketball exhibition game - SERC building, College at Brockport7:45 pm – 9:30 pm Closing Ceremonies /Victory Dance - SERC building, College at Brockport 11:00 pm Campus Curfew

Sunday, June 76:30 am - 8:30 am Breakfast Athletes/Coaches- Harrison, The Square & Brockway7:00 am - 11:00am Delegation Check-out - Control Center- Harmon/Gordon Building 30/31

Thank you Bozutto’s for your support of our athletes!

Rite Aid wishes all the Special Olympics athletes

the best of luck in the 2015 Summer Games

Special Thanks to

VENUES AND SPORTS DIRECTORS

Sport AthleticsVenue Eunice Kennedy Shriver StadiumAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite www.brockport.eduSport Director Tim Flynn Throws Sport Director Ellen Pikula Throws Sport Director Bruce BrownTechnical Delegate James Restaino

Sport AquaticsVenue SUNY Brockport Tuttle NorthAddress 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420Website www.brockport.edu/campusrec/Sport Director Faith Latella

Sport BasketballVenue Tuttle North Gymnasium - 3 courtsWebsite www.brockport.edu/campusrec/ Venue S.E.R.C. House of fields - 4 CourtsAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite www.brockport.edu/planevents/SERC.htmlSport Director Charlie Jones

Sport Bowling Venue AMF Dewey Garden LanesAddress 4470 Dewey Ave.Website www.amf.com/deweygardenlanesSport Director Carla Lrenzetti

Sport GymnasticsVenue Tuttle North Gymnastics CenterAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite www.brockport.edu/campusrec/Sport Director Sarah Jane Clifford

Sport PowerliftingVenue Tower Fine Arts Center MainstageAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite www.brockport.edu/theatre/Tower.htmlSport Director Mike Murray

Sport TennisVenue Brockport Tennis CourtsAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite www.brockport.edu/campusrec/Sport Director Todd Bazzini

Sport VolleyballVenue Tuttle North - 2 CourtsVenue Tuttle South - 2 CourtsAddress 350 New Campus DriveWebsite 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

Through our targeted initiatives, 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 OlympicsProgress 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.

B. Thomas Golisano (right) and Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation (left)

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.

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

year’s athletes and wish everyone good luck!

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 morewelcoming 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

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. It’s mentoring those who need guidance. It’s opening new businesses with

quality products at fair prices. It’s teachers who care. It’s art that enriches the mind;

theater that thrills the soul. It’s 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. Our thing.

Being good neighbors. Visit us at firstniagara.com

BANK / BORROW / INVEST / PROTECT

Saturday 9am-4pm Near the Track and Field Events

Next to Olympic Village

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!

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

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

800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455518-213-6000 • 800-342-9810

Affiliated with AFT / NEA / AFL-CIO

www.nysut.org

NYSUT is proud to be a founding sponsor of the

Special Olympics of New York.

Let the games begin!

Karen E. Magee, President

Andrew Pallotta, Executive Vice President

Catalina R. Fortino, Vice President

Paul Pecorale, Vice President

Martin Messner, Secretary-Treasurer

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 (Basket-ball); 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, Brew-ster, 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, wel-coming 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 CheungAthlete • 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 PattersonAthlete • 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.” “I’ve 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 it’s something I’m 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 AdimariAthlete • 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. Tomas’s 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 BoothAthlete • 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 Stephen’s hobbies include video games, bike riding and watching the New York Jets.

Kevin GreenAthlete • 19 • Brewster, NY • Basketball

Kevin Green is a member of the Special Olympics Team USA basketball team from Brewster, New York. At first Kevin didn’t want to do Special Olympics, but now he doesn’t want to stop. His favorite hobbies are sports, movies and the computer.

Minqiang LiAthlete • 20 • Elmsford, NY • Basketball

“Being on Special Olympics Team USA makes me feel special and proud.”“Special Olympics has changed my life socially, I’ve developed more language skills and confidence in myself.”

Timothy SchneiderAthlete • 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 isn’t on the court he enjoys watching and playing baseball, playing video games and listening to music.

Felix VelozAthlete • 19 • Tarrytown, NY • Basketball

Felix is on the Unified Basketball team and he says he’s 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 AshleyUnified 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, volun-teering and cross fit.

Jagger AshleyUnified 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 experi-ence for him. When he is not competing with Special Olympics, Jagger plays varsity sports, enjoys skiing, hiking, street hockey, cars, traveling, and movies.

Hunter BurnettUnified 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 MurphyUnified 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 PatelUnified 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 BrockportTimeline: 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 gold’s, 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 Academy’s 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 college’s 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.

Kris Wood Molly CummingsJohn KuckoSal GerbinoMike Schwabl

Thank You ...

State Summer Games - Games Organizing Committee

Sharon StillerStephanie BuchbinderFrancis AntonelliJim RedmondAdam TerryMark GardnerSuzanne Nasipak-Chapman

Greg ConstantinoRenee CarverJohn PrewasnicakDonna DedeeRich MackeyTom PetzkeJudy Seil

Lawrence BrienRichard ReynoldsRick LairRobert J. KehoeKaren M. RiottoLiam WelshNate BullMary CockingDana WeissRich KlancerScott HainesJeff CollinsMark GardnerCathy LegacyChris BazzieDave ComdenMargaret MenearMark HillmanDave SevorGary MusanteEd GiblinTodd HagreenRich Mackey

Opening EyesDr. Paul HarveyDr. Vadim GuyLinda Pattington

Special SmilesDr. Vineela RedlaDr. Lisa DeLuciaBarb Marino

Fit FeetDr. Mary Kate GedroDr. Sean Zeller

FunfitnessDr. Amy PeteDr. Melissa Murphy

Honorary Chair - Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive

Games Organizing Chair - Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO Rochester Red Wings

Health PromotionDr. Scott DarlingLorna Patanella

Healthy HearingDr. Mark OrlandoDr. Kim Tillery

Strong MindsDr. Susan HepburnKatelyn Lowery

Sponsor an Athlete Thank YouFairport Savings BankBonadio GroupAlex & Ani

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 YorkWith 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 Teams1. RIT2. Frozen Stiffs3. TEAM Rory4. Salena’s Frozen Margaritas5. 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 sup-porting 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 it’s 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. Dob-son 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.

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.

2014 Monroe Livingston Region EMS Agency of the YearWe 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.

Live in Clarkson or Sweden?

Call your Supervisor!Tell them you want us.

This is how YOU affect change.

Official Ambulance ofThe Rochester

True, Patient Centered Care

Thank you to the Monroe County Sports Commission

for Sponsoring the Athletes of Special Olympics NY

We’ll 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 withintellectual 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.

Congratulations, Athletes!