SYRACUSE - FEBRUARY 6-8, 2015

STATE WINTER GAMESSTATE WINTER GAMES

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Mission: To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fi tness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Friend us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNewYorkJoin us on twitter @sonyinfo

Sponsoring Agencies• New York State Department of Health• New York State Offi ce of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)• New York State Education Department• NYSUT: A Union of Professionals• State University of New York

FounderDorothy Buehring Phillips (1910-1994)

Special Olympics New YorkBoard of Directors

Offi cersFrank Mitola, ChairmanRichard Zerah, TreasurerEddie Lee, Secretary

DirectorsAaron BifaroKevin BrownHeather DwyerRaheem HajiRosemary JohnsonPatricia MartinelliMark O’CallaghanDr. Christopher A. Kus, M.D. M.P.H.Helen SquillaceRichard Salinardi, Immediate Past PresidentNeal J. Johnson, Ex Offi cio, President & CEO

Contact Special Olympics New York1-800-836-6976 (toll free)518-388-0790 (phone)518-388-0795 (fax)specialolympicsNY.org (internet)info@nyso.org (email)

Cover photos by Solas Studios Photography

Welcomefrom Onondaga County Executive ......................................... page 3 Welcome from Special Olympics New York President and Chairman ........................................................... page 7

Special Olympics New York State Winter GamesWelcome to Syracuse ................................................................ page 5Schedule of Events .................................................................... page 9About the Competitions ........................................................... page 11Special Thanks ............................................................................ page 17Organizing Committee ............................................................. page 17

Law Enforcement Torch Run Welcome About LETR ................................................................................. page 19Polar Plunges .............................................................................. page 22

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Central New York Region Welcomes Special OlympicsThis weekend, February 6-8, 2015, more than 1,000 Special Olympics New York athletes, coaches and volunteers from across the state will gather in Syracuse for the 2015 State Winter Games. Competitions will be held in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Floor Hockey and Figure Skating.

Opening Ceremonies:Friday, February 6th, 8pmSyracuse Oncenter

This event off ers athletes, families, coaches and fans an evening of fun and celebration. Numerous Central New York community members are participating in the event bringing the area in touch with Special Olympics athletes from across the state.

Featuring the customary parade of athletes, local entertainment and speakers, the Opening Ceremonies will be emceed by Time Warner Cable sports reporter, Mark Larson. Sheriff Gene Conway of Onondaga County will be joined by Special Olympic Athlete Gabe Ramos and fellow members of the Law Enforcement community as they carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies to light the offi cial cauldron and declare the 2015 Winter State Games open.

Athletic Competition:Saturday, February 7th, 8:30am-5:00pm10:00am – 3:30pm, Alpine Skiing, Greek Peak, 2000 New York 392, Cortland, NY 130459:00am – 1:00pm, Cross Country Skiing, Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Rd. Fabius, NY 1306310:15am – 4:00pm, Snowshoeing, Thornden Park, Thornden Park Drive, Syracuse, NY 132109:00am – 3:00pm, Figure Skating, War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 132028:30am – 4:00pm, Floor Hockey Team, Syracuse Oncenter, 515 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Thank you for the generous support of our partners who help to make the 2015 State Winter Games possible, CSEA, Knights of Columbus, NYSUT, Carrier Corporation, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rural Metro, Greek Peak, and Onondaga County Parks.

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Special Olympics New York 2015 State Winter Games.

Every year, we are privileged to be part of an annual winter sport event that showcases the talents and accomplishments of our Special Olympics athletes from throughout New York state. Their pride and determination will be exhibited this Saturday as they compete in Floor Hockey Team, Cross Country and Alpine Skiing, Snowshoeing and Figure Skating.

We are delighted to be back in Syracuse and also wish a special thanks to our Games Honorary Chair Joanne M. Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive. We also thank and commend the members of the Games Organizing Committee and our volunteers for their support and collaboration during this past year of planning for the 2015 State Winter Games.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the State Winter Games Premier sponsors, Carrier Corporation and the Golisano Foundation for the leadership role and for their commitment to our atlhhetes.

A warm thank you to all of our Games sponsors, including the City of Syracuse, for their generous support. Athletes will attend Winter Games and participate in all the activities of the weekend at no cost thanks to these sponsors and our State sponsors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff , congratulations to all of the athletes and their families, and best of luck at the 2015 State Winter Games.

Sincerely,

Neal J. Johnson Frank MitolaPresident & CEO Chairman, Board of DirectorsSpecial Olympics New York

Andrew M. CuomoGovernor, State of New York

Honorary Chairman

Frank MitolaChairman

Neal J. JohnsonPresident & CEO

Special Olympics New York504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 Tel + 1 518 388 0790 Fax + 1 518 388 0795Twitter @SONYInfo Facebook SpecialOlympicsNewYork www.SpecialOlympicsNY.orgCreated by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the benefi t of persons with intellectual disabilities

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Tentative Schedule of Events

Friday, February 6

Time Event Location 1:00 – 5:00 pm Region/Area Delegation Check-In Double Tree Hotel, Syracuse

5:00 - 7:30 pm Dinner for All Athletes/Coaches Syracuse Oncenter 5:00 - 9:30 pm Olympic Village Syracuse Oncenter

6:30 – 6:00 pm Head of Delegation Meeting Syracuse Oncenter, Admin Board Room

6:30 – 7:30 pm VIP/Sponsor Reception Syracuse Oncenter, Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

8:00 – 9:30 pm Opening Ceremonies Syracuse Oncenter

Saturday, February 7

Time Event Location 6:00 – 8:00 am Breakfast for All Athletes/Coaches At each housing location

8:30 – 10:00 am Floor Hockey Pairing Games Syracuse Oncenter

9:00 am Olympic Village Syracuse Oncenter Healthy Athletes Syracuse Oncenter

9:30 am Cross Country Skiing Highland Forest10:00 am Alpine Skiing Greek Peak Ski Resort10:15 am Snowshoeing Thornden Park 10:30 am Floor Hockey Team Syracuse Oncenter9:00 am Figure Skating War Memorial 10:30 - 1:00 pm Lunch Dist to Athletes/Coaches All Event Venues

6:30 - 9:00 pm Victory Dinner Dance Syracuse Oncenter

Sunday, February 8

Time Event Location 6:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast for All Athletes/Coaches At each housing location 7:00 - 11:00am Delegation Check-out Double Tree Hotel, Syracuse

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2015 State Winter Games Competitions

Alpine Skiing Venue: Greek Peak Mountain Resort Sport Director: Al Smith 2000 New York 392, Cortland, NY 13045 Alpine skiing is an exciting winter sport that challenges the athletes downhill racing ability and coordination. Athletes compete in downhill, slalom and giant slalom events. Alpine Skiing was introduced as a Special Olympics sport at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Snowshoeing Venue: Thornden ParkSport Director: Ian Haines Thornden Park Dr, Syracuse, NY 13210

Snowshoeing helps athletes enhance their fi tness level during the winter months with an excellentcardiovascular workout. It is relatively easy to learn because of its natural movement and beginners pick it up quickly. Snowshoeing was introduced as a Special Olympics sport at the 1997 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Toronto, Canada.

Figure Skating Venue: War Memorial at OncenterSport Directors: Lianne Knapp, Karalee Piels 515 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Figure skating is one of the few judged Special Olympics sports. Competition is off ered in skills, singles and dance events. Figure skating was introduced as a Special Olympics sport at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Floor Hockey Team Venue: Syracuse Oncenter Sport Director: Nancy Logan Address 800 South State St, Syracuse, NY 13202-3017

Floor Hockey is adapted from the games of ice hockey and ringette. It is the only team sport in Special Olympics winter sports. Floor Hockey is played in a rink, with a surface made of wood or concrete rather than ice. Special Olympics fl oor hockey also off ers individual skills competition to allow athletes to train and compete in basic skills. Floor hockey was introduced as a Special Olympics sport at the First International Special Olympics Summer Games, held in Chicago’s Soldier Field in 1968.

Cross Country I Skiing Venue: Highland Forest Sport Director: Larry Johnson 1254 Highland Park Rd, Fabius, NY 13063

Cross Country II Skiing Venue: Highland Forest Sport Directors: Debbie Briggs, TJ Briggs 1254 Highland Park Rd, Fabius, NY 13063

Cross Country Skiing is a sport which promotes superior physical conditioning while providing enjoyment for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Cross Country Skiing was introduced as a Special Olympics sport at the 1977 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

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About The Golisano Foundation Imagine the Possibilities! The Golisano Foundation is committed to opening doors, changing perceptions, and forging unprecedented partnerships in pursuit of the goal to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with pathways to self-suffi ciency, personal dignity, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes.

Founded in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from B. Thomas Golisano, the founder and Chairman of Paychex, the foundation is now one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities so that they may achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives.

The Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in grants, about $1.2 million annually, to non-profi t organizations in a multi-county region surrounding

Rochester, New York and now has more than $28 million in gross assets.

A Catalyst for TransformationThrough our targeted initiatives, it is our vision that communities will encourage and commit toinclusion, acceptance and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and provide services that empower individuals to make their way productively and creatively in their communities. In addition to providing funding the Foundation also serves as a proactive partner with organizations that serve people with intellectual disabilities, working together to promote acceptance and inclusion in the community and workplace.

Partnership with Special OlympicsIn 2012, Tom Golisano announced a $12 million commitment to Special Olympics to launch a new Healthy Communities initiative in six US states (including New York) and eight countries. Healthy Communities takes the principles of the Healthy Athletes program and expands them from a series of single events to a steady presence in the lives of Special Olympics athletes and their families. It also expands eff orts to educate healthcare professionals about working with people with intellectual disabilities.

B. Thomas Golisano and Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation

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Healthy Communities At Special Olympics, we believe that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) deserve full access to quality healthcare. Fifteen years of health screening data from our Healthy Athletes Program has shown that people with ID are one of the most medically underserved groups in the world. Even here in New York State, there are disparities in health for people with ID: 22% of athletes have obvious, untreated tooth decay, 49% of adults are obese, 34% fail hearing tests, and 20% have low bone density.

Special Olympics has always worked to unleash the human spirit. Our work addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Special Olympics New York (SONY) has been selected as one of 14 global programs to demonstrate the potential of Healthy Communities. Through Healthy Communities, SONY is expand health services to people with ID, increasing partnerships with local organizations, expanding our use of technology, and promoting awareness of the health diffi culties facing people with intellectual disabilities.

The Healthy Communities Project is made possible by a generous and unprecedented $12.5 million gift from businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano. “This gift comes from my deep admiration for the work of Special Olympics… We must do more to eliminate the health disparities that people with intellectual disabilities face…” said Tom Golisano when the award was announced.

The goal of Healthy Communities is to create communities where Special Olympics athletes and others with intellectual disabilities have the same access to health and wellness resources, can attain the same level of good health as all members of the community, and will receive care in an inclusive and

accepting environment. Healthy Communities evolves the Healthy Athletes Program to better meet the health needs of Special Olympics Athletes, expanding health from a series of episodic events to a steady presence in the lives of our athletes.

Over the past year, we have focused on oral health and healthy weight for our athletes. We have been national leaders in the use of technology with our health programs. We have grown our Healthy Athletes program across the state. We have forged new partnerships with hospital systems, community centers, and developmental agencies to provide more services and follow up care to our athletes. And, we have woven health into the fabric of this organization. Together, we are building healthy and inclusive communities.

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Featuring a Special Olympics New YorkCrystal Bracelet or Hematite Bracelet

Order yours Today! http://specialolympics-ny.org/store/

Product supplied by: Connellys Diamond Gallery.Special Olympics New York receives $25 on each item.

Thank You ...

Bill Fisher - Co-ChairTodd Engel - Co-ChairAdria FinchAlexandra PerryAmanda CardBill WalterBill WilliamsBrian KelleyChris Colabello

June Worden Kelly EdingerLou Anne MannMelissa FleischmannShavel EdwardsSkip ClarkStacey WickesTom PetzkeWilliam Lansley

Games Honorary Chair – The Honorable, Joanne Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive

State Winter Games - Games Organizing Committee

Emergency Services Team

David BurgessDonald ScicchitanoBrenda ScicchitanoMichael PlanoAndrew RocheDarla OstrumDeborah Judson-ThompsonTerri PulaskiSusan PrincePamela JudsonPatrick EastwoodKristi JohnsonWayne RochetteDonna Luck-MartinScott MartinRaymond Walsh

And Special Thanks to ...Bristol Mountain Ski PatrolHighland Forest Ski PatrolGreek Peak Ski PatrolOnondaga County Emergency ManagementOnondaga County Emergency Communications

Chris GedneyChristie BravosColleen ClancyLaura Henry D. Paul WaltzDavid BurgessGina PaulineJack LoSeccoJeff Mickle

Healthy Athletes

Abrahim Caroci, DMDVadim Guy, OD, FAAOPaul Harvey, ODLinda PattingtonBruce Seidberg, MScD, JDAnd all the clinical volunteers

Sport Directors

Al SmithIan HainesLianne Knapp Karalee PielsNancy LoganLarry Johnson Debbie BriggsTJ Briggs

Photography

Ken Smith

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Volunteer Captains

Adria FinchCarla LorenzettiCiara PoolmanColleen ClancyDiara BakinaDJ McDowellJoel PetersonKenny Sr. WatersKenny Jr. WatersPaul McDowellTom PetzkePat RouseAlexis Yagielski

Venues

Thornden ParkWar Memorial at OncenterSyracuse Oncenter Highland Forest

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An annual international fundraising event organized by The Law Enforcement Torch Run forSpecial Olympics New York and Applebee’s in which law enforcement offi cers volunteer their time as “celebrity waiters” at the local Applebee’s restaurants and receive “tips” to raise funds for Special Olympics.

Offi cers will be there to help greet customers and help the wait staff bus tables, get drinks, etc.

On each table will be an envelope where the customer may choose to leave a donation “tip” for Special Olympics in addition to their server’s normal tip.

“Law & Orders” generate tremendous community goodwill and public awareness for Special Olympics and law enforcement. While raising funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefi t Special Olympics New York. “Law & Orders” allows Torch Run volunteers to involved their families and colleagues inside and outside the Torch Run community in a fundraiser for Special Olympics.

In 2014, Law Enforcement offi cers raised over $40,000 at nearly 40 Applebee’s locations across the state! These types of events are also done at Tully’s, Red Robin and Buff alo Wild Wings.

Applebee’s Law & Orders

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LETR State Committee

Torch Run DirectorCaptain Steve Nigrelli

NYSP

Asst. Director West Deputy Sal Gerbino Monroe County SO

Asst. Director East

Detective Chris HamelTown of Poughkeepsie PD

Regional Torch Run Coordinators

West

Chief Mike Williams Hamburg PD

Genesee

Captain Rick Allen NYSP

Central

Sergeant Mike Murray NYS Corrections

Capital

North

Suzanne Ewing

Hudson Valley Captain Joe Barca

Yonkers PD

NYCCourt Offi cer Kevin Dean

NYS Courts

Long IslandDet/Inv (ret) Mike Neid

Kings County DA

Southern TierTrooper Neil Case

NYSP

Law Enforcement Torch RunWhen it comes to championing a cause, no one does it better than the men and women of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).

Now in its 29th year in New York, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York remains fi rmly focused on its twofold mission to help create communities where people with intellectual disabilities are accepted and celebrated for their unique gifts and talents and to raise funds to support Special Olympics training and competition programs.

LETR is the largest grassroots public awareness and fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics internationally. Since its inception, more than $8.1 million has been raised in New York state through LETR fundraisers providing training, venues, equipment, uniforms and transportation for hundreds of thousands of Special Olympic New York Athletes! Internationally, in 2014 LETR raised more than $50 million for Special Olympics, including more than $1.7 million right here in New York.

Throughout the spring, Law Enforcement personnel from local, state and federal agencies, known as “Guardians of the Flame,” run through the streets of their communities with the “Flame of Hope” torch. The fi nal Torch Run of the season brings the Torch into the State Summer Games, where it is used to light the Special Olympics cauldron, signifying the start of the Games. Nearly 2,000 offi cers representing more than 200 agencies across the state participate in just Torch Run alone… that’s not counting the thousands more that take part in our other signature fundraisers like Polar Plunge, Over the Edge, the rUNDEAD, Cops on Top and Law & Orders.

In addition, the LETR State Committee works throughout the year developing an ever-increasing number of large scale LETR fundraising events to ensure the ongoing growth of Special Olympics New York athlete programs.

Special Olympics New York is grateful for the continued dedication of the Law Enforcement Community and is honored to be the benefi ciary of its generosity.

“In a society that desperately needs heroes, you only have to look at Special Olympics New York for 64,659 heroes for us all to emulate.”

- NYSP Captain Steve Nigrelli and New York State Torch Run Director.

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Thank you Bozutto’s for your support of our athletes!

How the Polar Plunges Came to be …The fi rst Polar Plunge in New York State took place in Fishkill in 1998 when Town of Poughkeepsie Police Offi cer Chris Hamel and a few dedicated Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) volunteers decided to take a dip into some chilly waters to raise some money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.

Two years later, a fellow Torch Run Committee member was certain the folks in Western New York knew a thing or two about the cold as well. Sal Gerbino, a sergeant with the Gates Police Department, organized the fi rst Rochester Polar Plunge in 2000. The hard work and dedication of Sal and his volunteer committee, family and friends,

have made the Rochester Polar Plunge the largest in the state. In 15 years, this Plunge has raised over $2 million!

From humble beginnings, the Polar Plunge has become Special Olympics New York’s premier pledge event. The Polar Plunge committees continue to reach further into communities to engage community leaders, students, local businesses and the media. There are now 15 Plunges on the 2014-2015 calendar and a total fundraising goal of more than $1 million!

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Local Polar Plunge News ...Oneida Shores Polar Plunge The 8th Annual Oneida Shores Polar Plunge™ for Special Olympics NY was held on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 at Oneida Shores in Brewerton. Nearly 1,000 participants and spectators took part in FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON™ and raised over $97,000 for the 64,659 athletes of Special Olympics New York.

Thank you to our 2014 Oneida Shores Polar Plunge Committee and Co-Chairs: Chief Paul Waltz of New York State University Police at Upstate, June Worden (retired Lt New York State Police), Sgt. Mike Murray of Auburn Correctional Fa-cility. Special thanks to our local sponsors; Allstate, Auburn Tent Rental, Buf-falo Wild Wings, Carrie Corporation, Coca-Cola, CSEA-Region 5, Dunkin Donuts, Infi con, Onondaga County Parks, Skip Clark Entertainment, Tops Markets, Special Olympics Club at Syracuse University and Walmart.

www.facebook.com/CentralNYPlunge

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Salutes Special Olympics New Yorkand

Congratulates all of the Athletes

Everyone is a champion!

Carmine MusumeciState Deputy

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Upcoming 2015 Polar Plunges Across the State

Rochester Polar Plunge The 15th anniversary of the Rochester Polar Plunge will take place on Sunday February 8th at Ontario Beach Park. Join over 2,000 plungers for what will be our biggest plunge to date in the Rochester area looking to raise $320K. You can register at the event’s brand new website, www.polarplunge.net A special THANK YOU to Plunge Chair, Sal Gerbino (Deputy Monroe County Sheriff s Department and Retired Sgt with Gates PD) and his entire family who make this event possible every year! On behalf of the nearly 65,000 athletes of Special Olympics New York, thank you! It's people like you who make Special Olympics what it is! Please visit www.facebook.com/RochesterPolarPlunge for highlights and photos.

Fishkill Polar PlungeParticipants will be taking a slow crawl or leap into the icy, cold waters at Sharpe Reservation, Camp Mariah on Saturday, February 21, 2015 to support our wonderful Athletes from Special Olympics NY – Hudson Valley Region. Being its 17th year, it has grown in so many wonderful ways. Last year in 2014 we had 675 participants in attendance and raised almost $140,000! We are anticipating great growth this year as we have seen in previous years. Visit us at www.facebook.com/fi shkillplunge. A big THANK YOU to Plunge Chair, Detective Chris Hamel, for his continued support to Special Olympics NY. He started the fi rst plunge in NY – the Fishkill Polar Plunge 17 years ago!

North Hempstead Beach Park PlungeThe 11th annual Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park will take place on Saturday, March 7th. We are anticipating over 600 plungers to brave the icy waters of Hempstead Harbor. Take the Plunge, have some hot chocolate, enjoy a cup of soup and don’t forget to join us. We will be Freezing for a Reason…for our Special Olympic athletes!!! www.polarplungeny.org/northhempstead | Facebook: www.facebook.com/SONYpolarplungenorthhempstead

Ithaca Polar Plunge2nd Polar Plunge at Taughannock State Falls Park will take place on Saturday, March 21st. Come join us to take a slow dip or crawl into the chilly waters of Cayuga Lake and help us raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics NY. http://www.polarplungeny.org/Ithaca or www.facebook.com/IthacaPolarPlungeSpecialOlympics

Town of Oyster Bay Polar PlungeThe 2nd Annual Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 21st at TOBAY Beach on Ocean Parkway. Brave souls with warm hearts will run and jump into the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York. www.polarplungeNY.org/TOBAY or www.facebook.com/SONYpolarplungeTOBAY

Oswego Polar PlungeThe 3nd annual Polar Plunge at Wrights Landing will take place on Saturday, March 28th. Come join us to take a slow dip or crawl into the chilly waters of Lake Ontario and help us raise money for the ath-letes of Special Olympcs NY! http://www.polarplungeny.org/Oswego or http://www.facebook.com/OswegoPolarPlunge

Canandaigua Polar PlungeFormerly known as the “Canandaigua Freezefest”, join hundreds as they plunge into the chilly waters at Onanda State Park on Saturday, March 28 for the 5th Annual event. It’s a wild, crazy, fun event and a great way to show your community colors, so grab your friends, neighbors and co-workers to form a team. www.polarplungeny.org/Canandaigua or www.facebook.com/CanandaiguaPlunge

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Special Olympics to Unite the USA with the First-ever Unifi ed Relay Across America Presented by Bank of AmericaHitting every state over 46 days, the relay will involve thousands carrying the Flame of Hope and lighting the way to a future of inclusion and respect for people with intellectual disabilities. ESPN and ABC will showcase the story of this historic relay leading up to the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Special Olympics and Olympic fi gure-skating legend Michelle Kwan announced on ABC’s Good Morning America that registration has opened for the fi rst-ever Special Olympics Unifi ed Relay Across America presented by Bank of America. The Unifi ed Relay will give anyone in the country a chance to carry the Flame of Hope that will be lit in Athens, Greece and help deliver it to Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games – now only six months away. Over the course of 46 days, in a hand-to-hand exchange, over 20,000 participants will run, walk or bike a segment of the relay in this team and individual fundraising event as it passes through all 50 states.

The relay will culminate at the Opening Ceremony of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles on July 25, 2015. ESPN, the offi cial broadcaster of the World Games, will produce the Opening Ceremony live as well as a nightly highlights program throughout the nine-day event.

The U.S. portion of the Unifi ed Relay will begin on 26 May, where it will be split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta, Maine; Miami, Florida; and Washington, D.C. Traveling west, all three routes will become unifi ed in Los Angeles on 10 July. Along each route, welcoming ceremonies and community celebrations will take place nightly with musical performances, celebrity guests and Unifi ed Sports Experiences.

In its role as presenting sponsor, Bank of America will provide signifi cant fi nancial and volunteer support to the Unifi ed Relay. In addition, the company will use its deep connections in local communities to encourage participation among individuals, families and businesses.

When the three relays arrive in Los Angeles, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team, comprised of law enforcement offi cers representing 36 countries, along with 10 Special Olympics athletes, will accept the torches and continue the Flame of Hope’s journey to communities through-out California, including Host Towns where Special Olympics World Games delegations from more than 170 countries will participate in pre-Games cultural exchanges.

Supporters will have the opportunity to run with the Flame of Hope by signing up as an individual torchbearer or as a team of torchbearers for a half-mile walk or run segment or a fi ve-mile bike

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segment in an area of interest across the United States. Funds raised from the Unifi ed Relay will go to Special Olympics to provide sports training, competition opportunities and additional programming that empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Participants can fi nd out more information and sign up for the Unifi ed Relay Across America presented by Bank of America at www.unifi edrelay.org.

ESPN and ABC are the Offi cial Media Partners of the Unifi ed Relay Across America presented by Bank of America. Additional corporate supporters of the Unifi ed Relay Across America presented by Bank of America include Microsoft, Toyota and Homeaway.

With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games - being staged in Los Angeles July 25 - August 2, 2015 - will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled

spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Torch will arrive in New York on Monday June 1st and go from the Massachusetts line to Albany. Tuesday June 2nd, from Albany to Poughkeepsie. On Wednesday June 3rd, it will leave Poughkeepsie through Peeksill to the Bronx, onto Queens and then to Manhattan. Then on Thursday June 4th, it will leave Manhattan to Brooklyn, over to Staten Island and then onto New Jersey.

Each Torchbearer has the opportunity to walk, jog, run or roll a 1/2 mile segment or bike a 5-mile segment with the Flame of Hope. A $1,000 fundraising commitment is required for this honor. To register, please visit www.unitedrelay.org and click on New York.

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Breakfast of ChampionsA fundraising event to support the 2015 State Winter GamesJanuary 28th * The Doubletree

Our Table Captains brought almost 100 individuals together hear fi rst hand from our athletes, talk about the games and to learn more about our organization. They were then given the opportunity to make a personal gift to support the games.

Thank you to our Table Captains!Bill LansleyBill FisherJeff Mickle Christie BravosJack LoSeccoMelissa FleischmannTodd Engel