Local ice skaters take part in Special Olympics
This past weekend a group of Central New York athletes had the chance to show their skills on the ice at the Skaneateles YMCA and Community Center.
Feb. 2 ice skaters in the Special Olympics program took part in the local competition.
Coach Kathleen Long said this is a highlight of the season for the skaters who range in age from younger children to adults.
“They work so hard,” Long said. “This is really something special for all of them.”
The competition was accompanied by plenty of fanfare with Jack Heins, a well known bagpiper from Baldwinsville leading the Parade of Flags with athletes, coaches and volunteers.
“We are really happy to have Jack here with us,” Long said. “He is probably the best bagpiper in Central New York and it is great to have him with us.”
Long has served as coach of the local program, which draws skaters from all over the region, for more than a decade.
But according to Long, the program’s origins go back a little before she became involved.
Long said the Special Olympics skating program was brought to Skaneateles through the efforts of Arlene Bloomer in memory of her son Peter a Special Olympics athlete.
The first program for athletes with intellectual disabilities was in 2006 with Sheila Card coaching this program.
It was the following year that Card passed the baton to Long, who has served as coach ever since.
According to Long, each year the program has seen increased participation with nine skaters involved with the program this season.
Skaters come from Skaneateles, Marcellus, DeWitt, East Syracuse and Liverpool to take part in the program.
“I think this is the only skating program in Onondaga and maybe Cayuga Counties,” Long said. “We have a supportive group of parents who make that drive and help make this possible.”
The current roster includes Mary Dorsch, Finn O’Brien, Syann Nightengale, Gabby Jenks, Nick King, Megan King, Tim Ranger, Ali Camardella and Dylan Camps Dorta.
Over the years, Long said there has been a core group of athletes who have been involved in the program and this time together has helped her forge bonds with the skaters and in turn the skaters have bonded together amongst themselves.
“Relationships have definitely developed,” Long said. “It helps to have those relationships. It is great to see all the skaters. They are always there and support each other and cheer each other on on and off the ice. It is great to see.”
Long said she is fortunate to have a staff of dedicated volunteers which includes parents as well as local hockey players and members of the Skaneateles Figure Skating Club.
Long said people like Joan Evans, Kristine O’Brien, Nancy Hussy and high school students Holly Teasdale Evans, Lila Kelly and Thomas Long are the backbone of the volunteer staff.
Each of these dedicated individuals work with each athlete to develop their own routine, working from the guidelines recommended by Special Olympics.
But the benefits to taking part in something like Special Olympics are numerous according to Long.
In addition to developing their skating skills, Athletes also develop physical fitness, experience joy and laughter, conquer fears, establish new friendships, and demonstrate courage.
Long said these are attributes the athletes can take with them wherever they may go from the classroom to work to the larger community.
“That is great to see,” Long said. “The way this helps them is just incredible to see.”
After the local competition some will move on to the New York State Special Olympic Winter Games, which will be held in Rochester this year.
“It is an amazing opportunity,” Long said. “It is so much fun and they get to meet other athletes from all over the state.”
Long said the program is also fortunate to have support from people like Sean Coakley director of Special Olympics of Central New York and the support of the Skaneateles YMCA and Community Center and its staff including Card and Matt Major.
“We are very fortunate,” Long said. “We are fortunate to have the support of the YMCA and have the ice time. We are very grateful.”
