Syracuse hosts state-wide Special Olympics
Chris Gedney set records at Syracuse University as a tight end on the football team. He went on to an eight-year career in the NFL. Now he works with a different group of athletes.
Gedney, an assistant athletic director for money gifts at SU, is a volunteer for the State Winter Games, a division of the Special Olympics. He cites his daughter, who has special needs, as a large part of his involvement.
‘I want to help create a platform for people with special needs,’ he said. ‘Speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.’
This year’s opening ceremonies will be held Friday night. The games will start Saturday morning and will end Sunday. The games are back in Syracuse for the second of a two-year contract with the city.
The first events, which include figure and speed skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowshoe racing, will be held in Thornden Park. More than 500 athletes and coaches will participate in this weekend’s games.
Maria Alberico, regional director for Special Olympics New York, said SU is one of the most involved campuses she has seen. The women’s crew team recently held a fundraiser for the games, and the volunteer list has been full for over seven months.
‘The support we get from Syracuse University is second to none,’ Alberico said. ‘I’d say Syracuse has exceeded any and all of our expectations.’
Special Olympics New York serves 48,761 people with intellectual disabilities, according to a 2009 census. Athletes train in nine regions across the state to participate in 4,257 fundraising and competitive events over a three-season program in which they compete in 22 Olympic-style events.
The New York games have 29,495 volunteers, including 3,957 certified coaches, according to the Special Olympics New York website. Though the volunteer list is full, there is always a need for fans in the stands,Alberico said. There are no more specific jobs for volunteers, but the best way to help the games is to go out to the events and cheer on the athletes.
‘I used to volunteer with the Special Olympics back home,’ said Josh Fisher, a freshman television, radio and film major. ‘It’s a great organization.’
Gedney, the volunteer, made the opening remarks at the games last year and said he walked away touched, so he was thrilled to be asked back this year.
He regretted that his family, including his daughter, was not able to attend the games with him last year. But this year, Gedney said they will be right by his side.
Though the games are entirely good natured, Gedney stressed the Special Olympics are not just a ceremonial event.
‘It’s all about motivating the athletes to give it their best,’ Gedney said. ‘But don’t let them fool you, they are very competitive.
‘We’re all different. The athletes have many more abilities than disabilities.’
Published on February 2, 2011 at 12:00 pm
