Special Olympics

SCHENECTADY – Six athletes, two Special Partners and three coaches are headed to Nashville to compete in the inaugural Special Olympics Golf National Invitational Oct. 14-17.

Patrick Mead (Area 1), Chris Baire (Area 25), Eric Byrd and Martha Pachuta (Area 21), Len and Roberta Rittenburg (Area 14), Peter Pellegrino (Area 31) and Robert Feldman (Area 32) will join coaches Margey Henkel (Area 25), Rich Cirillo (Area 31) and Charlie Jones (Area 4) on the trip south.

More than 150 competitors from 25 states will participate in the invitational hosted by Special Olympics Tennessee and the Tennessee PGA. Volunteer support from a combination of PGA Professionals, longtime golf volunteers and Special Olympics volunteers will insure the highest quality competition for all athletes, coaches and family members.

"The PGA professionals have made it possible for our athletes to train and compete at the local level," explained Walter Kupczuk, Vice President of Program for Special Olympics New York. "As a result, we have seen their skill level increase as well as their enjoyment of the sport."

Among Special Olympics sports, golf provides one of the greatest opportunities for athletes to train and compete among and alongside their peers in the community. The public setting of a golf course is a great venue for Special Olympics athletes to demonstrate the skills and passion for the game. Currently, more than 6,000 athletes participate in US Programs and in 14 nations around the world.

For more information about the Golf Invitational call 800 836-6976 or e-mail Walter Kopczuk at wkopczuk@nyso.org.

SCHENECTADY – More than 1,000 athletes and coaches, and hundreds more volunteers and family members from across the state will return to Broome County and the city of Binghamton for the Special Olympics New York 2000 Fall Games from Oct. 6-8. This is the second consecutive year the Games will be held in Binghamton, who has hosted the games numerous times in the past.

"The city of Binghamton and the surrounding communities of Broome County have been very supportive of our athletes over the years," said Neal J. Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. "We are proud to once again provide our athletes with an outstanding community to showcase their athletic abilities."

The event begins with Opening Ceremonies at the Heritage Country Club at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Opening Ceremonies will include entertainment and the dramatic Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.

Competition in six sports will be conducted at four venues from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 7. Athletes will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in Cross Country Running, Golf and Soccer at Heritage Country Club, Equestrian at El Rancho de Paz Farm, Softball at BAGSAI and Cycling at Kirkwood Industrial Park.

Award presentations will take place at each venue after the competition. Athletes will then return to Heritage Country Club at 8 p.m. for Closing Ceremonies and the Victory Dance.

STARS TO COME OUT IN SARATOGA SPRINGS JULY 29 AND 30 - Tenth annual benefit weekend for Special Olympics New York

SCHENECTADY, NY - The 10th annual Satins, Silks & Stars benefit for Special Olympics New York will be held July 29 and 30 in Saratoga Springs. This event has raised more than $1 million in the past nine years to support year-round sports training, competition and education for children and adults with mental retardation and closely related developmental disabilities.

The Satins, Silks & Stars weekend brings stars of television, stage and film to Saratoga Springs for two days. Timothy McGinn from the New York Racing Association, and Neil and Jane Golub are honorary chairs of this year's events. Honored guests are Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson.

Celebrities scheduled to attend include: Michael Bacon, composer, ½ of The Bacon Brothers band - Liz Bishop, Reporter/Anchor, Channel 6 News - William Christian, "Derek Frye," All My Children - Thom Christopher, "Colonel Dax," Guiding Light - Tracy Egan, News Anchor, News 10 - John Gray, Evening News Anchor, NewsChannel 13 - Lauren B. Martin, "Camille Bennett," As the World Turns - David Andrew McDonald, "Prince Edmund," Guiding Light - JoMarie Payton, "Mrs. Freeman," Will & Grace - Erin Torpey, "Jessica Bucannan," One Life to Live - Yolanda Vega, Lottery Emcee, New York Lottery

The weekend begins with the Silks & Satins 5K Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. The weekend continues with a Black-Tie Gala that evening at the Sheraton Saratoga Springs Hotel, and concludes on Sunday, July 30, with an Equestrian Demonstration, Q & A with the stars and a Gourmet Luncheon at the Saratoga Race Course. Tickets for the Gala are $150 each. The private luncheon in the elegant At The Rail Pavilion is $75. The registration fee for the Silks & Satins 5K Run is $15.

The Satins, Silks & Stars weekend is sponsored by Price Chopper, New York Racing Association, CellularOne, Continental Express, Amtrak, The Desmond, NewsChannel 13, Times Union, Road Runner High Speed Online, Time Warner Cable and radio stations Channel 103.1, 99.5 - The River, Radio 810 WGY and Classical 97.7-FM.

Special Olympics New York, Inc. provides year-round sports training and competition in 22 Olympic-style sports for children and adults with mental retardation. To make reservations for any of the above events, call 518-388-0793. Runners also may pick up5K registration forms at area Price Chopper supermarkets.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK WINTER GAMES RETURN TO SYRACUSE - One-thousand athletes and coaches to participate in 2001 and 2002

SCHENECTADY, NY - Special Olympics New York, Inc. has selected Syracuse as the host city for the 2001 and 2002 Winter Games, officials announced today. The Games will take place Feb. 23 to 25, 2001 and Feb. 22 to 24, 2002.

"We are proud to announce that Syracuse and Onondaga County will be home to the Special Olympics New York Winter Games for the next two years," said Neal J. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics New York. "Syracuse and Special Olympics have had an outstanding relationship over the years. The business community and the residents have been very generous with their time and resources. We are looking forward to another great experience for our organization, but especially for our athletes."

The Special Olympics New York Winter Games will bring nearly 1,000 athletes and coaches to the city each year for two days of Olympic-style competition and celebration. Athletes will compete in six sports, including Figure and Speed Skating, Floor Hockey, Floor Hockey Skills and Nordic and Alpine Skiing. This will be the first time in the 30-year history of Special Olympics New York that Syracuse has hosted a Special Olympics Winter Games. In 1993 and 1994, the Summer Games were held there. "Onondaga County is excited and proud to welcome our friends from the Special Olympics New York for the Winter Games in 2001 and 2002 when the citizens of our community will offer warm hospitality to the athletes and their families who will be participating in the winter competitions," said Nicholas J. Pirro, Onondaga county executive.

Special Olympics provides athletic training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. Through athletic endeavor and accomplishment, athletes learn the true meaning of sportsmanship, become more productive members of their communities and begin to understand that the rewards of hard work go well beyond the playing field.

"It is a privilege to host this prestigious and worthwhile event in Central New York," said Jan Quitzau, director of the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau. "This is an excellent opportunity to showcase Syracuse and Onondaga County as a destination for sporting events throughout the year."

The Onondaga County Convention Center will be the centerpiece venue and be the site of Floor Hockey and the Opening Ceremonies, which will feature the traditional Parade of Athletes, entertainment and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.

A volunteer-based Local Organizing Committee has been assembled with the goal of raising awareness, recruiting volunteers and securing sponsors for the Winter Games. The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau have provided the backbone for this effort. Key sponsors have already come on board, including CellularOne, NY Lottery, Carrier Corp., PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Time Warner Cable - Syracuse Division and Clear Channel Communications, Inc., operators of radio stations 570-WSYR; B-104.7; WHEN; Y-94; WHT and WHCD. For more information, call (800) 836-6976.

SATINS, SILKS & STARS 5K RUN IN SARATOGA SPRINGS - Part of 10th Annual Benefit for Special Olympics New York

SCHENECTADY, NY - More than 1,000 runners from the northeast are expected to participate in the fourth annual Satins, Silks & Stars 5K Run in Saratoga Springs, July 29 at 8 a.m. The race, sanctioned by USA Track & Field, begins on the corner of East Avenue and George St., one block from the historic Saratoga Race Course. The race route winds through the tree-lined streets of the Spa City's east side and finishes on Case Street, just off Union Avenue.

Registration fee for the event is $15 on or before July 24 and $20 thereafter. On-site registration begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 7:30 a.m. Following the race, awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers, the top three finishers in each of nine age divisions for both male and female runners and the wheelchair division. Trophies will also be presented to the top team in the media and corporate team divisions.

Participants will receive a specially designed T-shirt, goody bag, free admission to Saratoga Race Course, courtesy of NYRA, and entertainment by Hot Trax Disc Jockey Service. Free parking is available for the first 250 registered runners. Additional parking will be available for $2. Immediately following the race, there will be refreshments provided by Turbo-Carbo Refreshments and Price Chopper and a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses.

The 5K Run kicks off the 10th annual Satins, Silks & Stars celebrity weekend. The weekend continues with a black-tie Gala that evening at the Sheraton Saratoga Springs Hotel, and concludes on Sunday, July 30, with an Equestrian Demonstration at the Paddock and a gourmet luncheon at Saratoga Race Course.

The weekend features stars from the world of television and sports, including JoMarie Payton of the TV hit Will & Grace and Thom Christopher, formerly of One Life to Live. Local celebrities Liz Bishop of WRGB-TV (Channel 6) and John Gray from WNYT-TV (Channel 13) will host the Gala.

Price Chopper, New York Racing Association (NYRA), The Desmond, the New York Lottery and Amtrak are sponsors. WNYT-TV, Road Runner High Speed Online, the Times Union, The Channel (103.1FM), The River (99.5) and Radio 810 (WGY) are media sponsors.

Special Olympics New York, Inc., the largest of more than 50 Special Olympics programs in the United States, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 22 Olympic-style sports for nearly 40,000 children and adults with mental retardation and closely related developmental disabilities.

Tickets for the Gala are $150 each. The luncheon in the At The Rail Pavilion is $75. To make reservations or to register for the 5K run call 518-388-0793.

April 10, 2000

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SEEKS FANS AND VOLUNTEERS

SCHENECTADY, NY - Special Olympics New York is looking for community groups to take part in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2000 Summer Games on Thursday, June 15 at the University at Albany. The Opening Ceremonies will kick-off three days of Olympic-style competition and pageantry.

The Local Organizing Committee is seeking cheerleading groups to usher the athletes into the stadium, a color guard, a marching band and fans to cheer the athletes. Fans also are needed on June 16 and 17 at various competition venues throughout the region, including University of Albany and Siena College.

Join dignitaries and celebrities from the Capital Region as they welcome 2,200 athletes and coaches to Albany for New York's largest Special Olympics event of the year.

Celebrating its 30th year, Special Olympics New York provides athletic training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with mental retardation. If your group is interested in participating in the Opening Ceremonies, call Suzanne Ellsworth, director of volunteer management, at (518) 388-0792."

March 23, 2000

OFFICE FURNITURE USA TEAMS UP WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK Unique golf challenge raises more than $5,000 for Special Olympics

SCHENECTADY, NY - The inaugural Office Furniture USA Golf Challenge raised more than $5,000 for Special Olympics New York, officials have announced.

The Jan. 22 fund-raiser drew more than 500 golfers to the Golden Bear Golf Center in Latham. A portion of the money raised at the tournament was used to help bring 850 athletes to the Special Olympics New York 2000 Winter Games. The remaining funds are earmarked for the 2000 Summer Games, to be held June 15-17 at the University at Albany.

At the Office Furniture USA Golf Challenge, golfers competed for prizes including a golf vacation at the Saddlebrook Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Academy in Tampa, Fl., and a weekend at the Sagamore Resort in Lake George.

But according to Ron Lanzetta, president of Office Furniture USA, all who participated were winners. "The Office Furniture USA Golf Challenge was a winner for all involved, since it benefited a great cause, Special Olympics New York," said Lanzetta. "Business should give back to the community that makes it a success, and we are proud to help our community's Special Olympians."

"Initiatives like the Office Furniture USA Golf Challenge support Special Olympics athletes all over New York," said Audra Herman, vice president, development at Special Olympics New York. "We are extremely pleased at the outcome of this inaugural event and are very happy with the enthusiasm shown by Ron Lanzetta and the folks at Office Furniture USA. We hope, with their help, to make this an annual event."

Office Furniture USA is a division of Standard Commercial Interiors and is located, along with RePlay Office Interiors, at 1275 Broadway in Albany, behind the Matthew Bender building. More than 4,000 items are displayed in Office Furniture USA's showroom, and products are available from more than 100 manufacturers. The company offers the area's largest selection of ergometric seating and computer furniture to help prevent repetitive task injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. As a franchise of one of the nation's fastest growing companies, Office Furniture USA uses volume buying power to keep prices down, provide quick shipping and setup, and serve clients with multiple office locations.

February 18, 2000

Schenectady Hosts Special Olympics New York Winter Games

SCHENECTADY, NY - More than 850 athletes and coaches are taking part in two days of pageantry and competition as part of the Special Olympics New York 2000 Winter Games, hosted by the city of Schenectady.

Mayor Albert P. Jurczynski is the honorary chairman of the Games, which will take place at venues throughout the city and in neighboring communities. The Winter Games are one of three statewide competitions held annually by Special Olympics New York and one of 400 Special Olympics competitions that take place throughout the state each year.

"We are proud to be hosting the first statewide Special Olympics games of the new millennium," said Mayor Jurczynski. "I invite the residents of the city and the Capital Region to come out and be a part of it." The Winter Games begin at 5 p.m. Friday with a Board of Directors reception in the City Hall Rotunda. Opening Ceremonies, which includes the traditional Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Schenectady High School Gymnasium.

The Winter Games are sponsored by The New York Lottery, PaineWebber, General Electric, The Gazette Newspapers and Albany Broadcasting Company, Inc.

February 16, 2000

Lack of Snow Forces Change of Venue for Nordic Skiing

SCHENECTADY, NY - Because of the significant reduction of the snow pack due to rain and warmer weather, the Nordic Skiing portion of the Special Olympics New York 2000 Winter Games has been moved from the O.D. Heck Developmental Center in Niskayuna to the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs. "Even though a few inches of snow remain on the main athletic field at O.D. Heck, the field is simply not going to support 80 athletes for one solid day of competition," said Walter Kopczuk, vice president of program for Special Olympics New York. "Thankfully, the people at the park are allowing us to use a field. Now the event does not have to be cancelled." The Nordic Skiing competition will take place near the administration building in the park, which is near the Route 50 end of the Avenue of the Pines. The Winter Games take place Feb. 18 and 19. The weekend begins at 5 p.m. Friday with a Board of Directors reception in the City Hall Rotunda. Opening Ceremonies will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Schenectady High School Gymnasium. Competition begins Saturday, Feb. 19 at the following sites: Figure Skating 9 a.m. Schenectady Ice Facility, Schenectady Airport Floor Hockey Team 9 a.m. Schenectady Armory, 125 Washington Ave. Floor Hockey Skills 9:30 a.m. Schenectady YMCA, 13 State Street Nordic Skiing 10 a.m. Saratoga Spa State Park Speed Skating 11 a.m. Schenectady Ice Facility, Schenectady Airport Alpine Skiing 10 a.m. West Mountain, Glens Falls Closing Ceremonies And Victory Dance 6:30 p.m. Schenectady High School, 1445 The Plaza Olympic Village 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. IUE Hall, 121 Erie Blvd. Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports to children and adults with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information about the Winter Games or Special Olympics programs in your community, visit www.specialolympicsnewyork.org or call (800) 836-6976 or (518) 388-0790.

Join the city of Schenectady, local celebrities and city dignitaries as they welcome 800 athletes and coaches to the city for the first time in the 30-year history of Special Olympics New York.Witness the emotional and inspirational parade of athletes into the new Pat Riley Gymnasium at Schenectady High.

If your group is interested in participating in the Opening Ceremonies and in wishing the athletes good luck as they prepare for their February 19 competitions, call Suzanne Ellsworth, director of volunteer management at (518) 388-0792.

January 25, 2000

BE A SPECIAL OLYMPICS FAN

SCHENECTADY, NY - Special Olympics New York is looking for community groups to take part in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2000 Winter Games at 8 p.m. on February 18 at the Schenectady High School.

STORY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE LORETTA CLAIBORNE TO AIR JAN. 16 ON ABC'S "WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY"

SCHENECTADY, NY - Emmy Award-winner Camryn Manheim ("The Practice") and Kimberly Elise ("Beloved") star in an unforgettable portrayal of the life of Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne, a world class competitor and one of the most inspirational women of our time. "The Loretta Claiborne Story" airs on "The Wonderful World of Disney" Sunday, January 16, 7 to 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on ABC.

The film tells the story of Loretta Claiborne, who was born with mental retardation and also physically challenged. Raised by her mother along with six other siblings, Loretta's mother refused to listen to doctors who told her that Loretta should be placed in an institution. Not able to walk or talk until the age of 4, there was little or no hope until she discovered her gift for running and Special Olympics. Loretta has overcome enormous odds to become an accomplished athlete and spokesperson.

"Loretta's story is a remarkable tale of courage and overcoming the odds," said Neal J. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Schenectady-based Special Olympics New York. "There are similar stories of thousands of athletes in every corner of New York who, through courage and determination, strive each day to be their best."

Today, Loretta is one of the most accomplished and celebrated of all Special Olympics athletes. Loretta has competed in over 25 marathons, finishing with the fastest 25 women runners in the Pittsburgh Marathon, twice with top 100 women runners in the Boston Marathon and most recently winning a gold medal in the 1999 Special Olympics World Games half-marathon, as well as excelling in other sports. Outside of Special Olympics, Loretta holds a fourth degree black belt in karate, speaks four languages including sign language and holds an honorary doctorate degree from Quinnipiac College - the first person with mental retardation known to receive such an honor. Loretta is a passionate advocate for the mentally and physically disabled.

"In today's climate particularly," stated Executive Producer Suzanne dePasse, "people like Loretta Claiborne and the Special Olympics organization serve not only as an inspiration, but as a reminder that most of us have so much that we don't even recognize."

Special Olympics New York provides year-round training and competition in 23 Olympic-style sports to 40,000 children and adults with mental retardation. For information about Special Olympics programs in your area, call 1-800-836-NYSO.

December 10, 1999

General Electric

WHAT: General Electric Power Systems will present a donation to Special Olympics New York for the 2000 Winter Games.

WHO: Mayor Albert P. Jurczynski, and officials from GE and Special Olympics New York.

WHEN: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14.

WHERE: Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street.

SCHENECTADY, NY - Officials from Special Olympics New York will announce at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 in City Hall a leadership gift from General Electric Power Systems for the 2000 Winter Games. The occasion kicks off the formal awareness effort for the Winter Games, which take place for the first time in Schenectady on Feb 18 and 19.

Officials from GE will join Mayor Albert P. Jurczynski and representatives from Special Olympics New York in the City Hall Rotunda. Other sponsors to date include The New York State Lottery, Aetna Retirement Services, PaineWebber, Schapp Moving Systems, GTECH Corp., Mohawk Honda and IBEW local 236. The event will be highlighted by a speech by a Special Olympics Global Messenger.

The 2000 Winter Games will bring 800 athletes and 250 coaches to the city for competitions in five Olympic-style winter sports. Five venues within the city will be used including the Schenectady Armory, Schenectady High School, the IUE Hall, the O.D. Heck Developmental Center and the new Schenectady County Ice Rink, which is currently under construction.

For more information, call Jim Smith at 518-388-0793.

Special Olympics New York, Inc., the largest of more than 50 Special Olympics Programs in the United States, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 22 Olympic-style sports for nearly 40,000 children and adults with mental retardation and closely related developmental disabilities. For more information about Special Olympics programs in New York call 1-800-836-NYSO.