Hudson Valley Group Submits Bid To Host Special Olympics Next Summer

After successfully hosting back-to-back Special Olympics, organizers are once again hoping to bring the games back to the Hudson Valley.

Thousands of athletes, spectators and volunteers filled the MId-Hudson Civic Center last year for the Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremonies.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Zak Failla

02/25/2018 5:00 a.m.

Dutchess County has submitted a formal application with Special Olympics New York to host the 2019 and 2020 Special Olympic New York State Summer Games after hosting the winter event in 2016 and 2017 with “one of the largest volunteer turnout in the Games’ history,” officials noted.

According to officials, Special Olympics is an Olympic-style athletic training and competition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympic New York State Summer Games have been at the forefront of the State events and they culminate months of training and competition by athletes.

Sports played at the Games include: swimming, track and field, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, tennis, and volleyball sporting competitions will be held.

“Dutchess County is proud to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY.’ Having set volunteer records when we hosted the 2016 and 2017 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games, we are eager to again show that spirit of community by hosting the Special Olympics New York State Summer Games in 2019 and 2020,” Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said in a statement.

“Local individuals, civic groups and businesses are proud to welcome athletes, coaches and families back to share and celebrate their competitive spirit, individual accomplishments and proudly exclaim, Dutchess County knows how to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY.’”

The region’s reputation hosting the Winter Games in 2016-17 and the high caliber of the area’s sports facilities make Dutchess County a desirable place to host the games,” officials added.

“After having an incredible experience hosting the 2016 and 2017 Special Olympics New York Winter Games we are thrilled to offer our home, Dutchess County, as the host for the 2019 and 2020 Summer Games,” Frank Castella, Jr., President and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce,” said. “The Games’ Organizing Committee, businesses and community are ready to welcome and create a memorable experience for the athletes that they cannot receive anywhere else.”

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