(Poughkeepsie, NY) -- Dutchess County will once again host the Special Olympics New York Games, but this time it will be the Summer Games not the Winter Games like in 2016 and 2017. The Summer Games are scheduled to be held in Dutchess in June of 2019 and June of 2020. Vassar College and Dutchess Community College will be the main venues for the games though some events will be held at other locations around Dutchess County.
“Dutchess County is proud to welcome back athletes, coaches, and families for the Summer Games. Special Olympic athletes remind us that obstacles and challenges can be overcome if we set goals, and choose to Think DIFFERENTLY,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. “We are grateful to Dutchess Tourism and Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce for leading these efforts again, and we look forward to providing an exceptional athletic experience to all those who attend.”
More than 1,700 athletes and coaches will travel from around New York to Dutchess for the sporting competitions. The athletic events which make up the three-day competition are basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
“The 2019-2020 Special Olympic Summer Games will require extensive local support to be as successful as possible. Local volunteers – individuals or groups – will be needed for various jobs throughout the weekend. For more information and to register online, please visit www.specialolympicsny.org or email volunteer@nyso.org. Local businesses and organizations can also provide support through a range of sponsorship opportunities. For more information about sponsorships, contact Renee Snyder, Vice President of Development & Public Awareness, 518-203-8348 or rsnyder@nyso.org; or Teresa Gilli, Director of Development at 845-765-2497 Ext. 201 or tgilli@nyso.org.”