Thank you, Syracuse, for giving Special Olympics athletes a ‘giant hug’ (Your Letters)

To the Editor:

A little over a month ago, the Syracuse community opened its arms and welcomed Special Olympics New York as host of the 2022 State Winter Games. After two years living through a health pandemic that sidelined our athletes for the first time in decades, I cannot overstate what your hospitality meant to us.

Hundreds of our athletes — children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities from all across New York — were celebrated at a spectacular Opening Ceremonies at the Oncenter and cheered on at venues throughout the region as they competed in six sports. They were put up in area hotels and supported by hundreds of local volunteers who did everything from building floor hockey rinks board-by-board to spending a cold winter day atop Greek Peak — all to ensure that our athletes experienced the competition of a lifetime. The event was sponsored by Onondaga County and a number of area businesses who share our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The entire weekend felt like a giant hug we’ll not soon forget. We are already counting the days to next year’s games, Feb. 24-25, 2023, and we hope you are, too.

Thank you, Syracuse!

Stacey Hengsterman

President & CEO of Special Olympics New York

Clifton Park

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.