Going for Gold, Special Olympics come to Syracuse

By Callan Gray (NCC News)
November 10, 2010 7:15 p.m.

Athletes will arrive in Central New York this February to make their Olympic dreams come true, Special Olympics New York officials announced Wednesday. The 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games are expected to draw about 500 participants to the area. Toggenburg Mountain and the Syracuse OnCenter are just two sites hosting events; others include Thornden Park, The War Memorial and Highland Forest. Director of Competitions, Bryan Norris says Central New York was chosen to host the event for more than logistical reasons alone.

“We look for the community support and we definitely have gotten that and seen it first hand with the outpouring of volunteers and the financial contributions we've received,” said Norris

Norris said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner were also both instrumental in bringing Special Olympics to this area. He said Mahoney gathered community leaders together to form an organizing committee that Miner has jumped on board with.

Volunteers Needed

But there is still a call for volunteers to help support the athletes and aid with the six athletic events, according to Norris. Events include floor hockey, figure and speed skating, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and alpine skiing.

Norris said in the past the community has come out in great number to cheer on the athletes as they compete.

“Last year we had a number of local sports teams, Syracuse Organ and LeMoyne dolphins and a number of other high schools and universities came to show their support,” said Norris.

Opening Ceremonies for the games will take place on Friday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the OnCenter Conmplex. There will be a Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron. Athletic competition starts on Saturday, February 5 at 8:30 a.m.

“The entire Syracuse community is welcome,” said Norris.

2011 will mark the second consecutive year the Winter Games have been held in Central New York. The games are one of three annual state games and one of more than 4,000 total competitions held each year in New York State.

Where to go:

• OnCenter- Floor Hockey
• War Memorial- Figure and Speed Skating
• Highland Forest- Nordic Skiing
• Thornden Park- Snowshoeing
• Toggenburg Mountain- Alpine Skiing