Let the Games Begin

By Grace Collins ’22, June 22, 2023

Special Olympics New York Opening Ceremonies hosted at IC.

The ceremonial torch was lit by Mary Orsaio '13, who is a sergeant with the Ithaca Police Department, and athlete Anne Norby.

(Photo by Grace Collins '22)

On Friday, June 9, Ithaca College’s Athletics and Events Center buzzed with anticipation as hundreds of athletes awaited the commencement of the competition that they’ve spent months — if not years – training for. Throughout the weekend, athletes and supporters of the 2023 Special Olympics New York Summer Games were welcomed to campus as they vied for medals and celebrated one another’s accomplishments.

Friday’s Opening Ceremonies officially marked the beginning of the Summer Games While the event pivoted to an indoor setting due to air quality concerns, there was no shortage of excitement and camaraderie as athletes and families took part in all of the festivities the evening had to offer. From inflatable basketball and giant tic-tac-toe to an Athletes Village offering health screenings and resources, there were smiles on everyone’s faces as they awaited the start of the official ceremonies.

Following last year’s inaugural Games on South Hill, the 2023 Summer Games were the second in a three-year partnership between IC and Special Olympics New York.

“When you leave Ithaca and South Hill, we hope you will take with you lifelong memories not just of this place, but of all that you have accomplished here and of all the friendships that you have made. In turn, we know you will leave us enriched from this experience. You inspire us, teach us, and thrill us, and for that we thank you.”

Provost Melanie Stein

The ceremonies began with the Parade of Athletes, where each delegation from around the state was met with applause as they took a celebratory lap around Glazer Arena in the Athletics and Events Center. Then, co-emcees Ceylane Meyers-Ruff, board chair of Special Olympics New York, and Kayla McKeon, an athlete and advocate from Syracuse, took to the stage.

“My goodness, look at this crowd!” McKeon exclaimed. “I am so excited to welcome all the athletes, coaches, and volunteers to the great Ithaca community. We are so thrilled to be here for another year.”

The annual Parade of Athletes gave competitors from each delegation from around the state an opportunity to take celebratory lap around Glazer Arena.

(Photo by Grace Collins '22)

After athlete Zach Finney performed a rendition of the National Anthem, Stacey Hengsterman, president & CEO of Special Olympics New York, was welcomed to the stage.

Hengsterman expressed her excitement for the events to come, as well as her appreciation to the Ithaca College campus community for their warm welcome.

“The Ithaca College campus looks beautiful,” she said. “They’re really a champion in this community, and the people here are all incredible.”

Provost Melanie Stein delivered remarks during the Opening Ceremonies. (Photo by Grace Collins)

Next, in a highly anticipated moment, Erik Viscardo was named the 2023 Special Olympics New York Athlete of the Year. Viscardo, who traveled from Bloomingdale to attend the Games, has competed in softball, bowling, bocce, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing. He’s also a member of the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council.

“I just want to thank you for this opportunity. This really means a lot to me,” Viscardo said. “I really want to appreciate my parents who encouraged me and gave me these opportunities.”

Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, was the next person to take the stage. Stein welcomed the athletes and shared her personal connection to the organization’s mission.

“In Massachusetts in the 1940s, my dear grandma was a real pioneer,” Stein said. “She fought fiercely to expand opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in all aspects of society. I was incredibly proud of her, just as I'm proud of all of you. And I know that she would be too.

“When you leave Ithaca and South Hill, we hope you will take with you lifelong memories not just of this place, but of all that you have accomplished here and of all the friendships that you have made,” she continued. “In turn, we know you will leave us enriched from this experience. You inspire us, teach us, and thrill us, and for that we thank you.”

The ceremony marked the official start of the second year in a three-year partnership between the college and Special Olympics New York.

(Photo by Grace Collins '22)

New York State Congressman Marc Molinaro then took the stage, accompanied by athlete Emily Brushafer for the recitation of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The ceremonies concluded with the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run, where a “Guardians of the Flame” entered the arena carrying a flame, which was used to light the ceremonial torch.

This year's torchbearer was Mary Orsaio '13, who is a sergeant with the Ithaca Police Department. Orsaio met athlete Anne Norby on her run up to the stage, and together, they lit the torch as McKeon and Hengsterman declared: “Ladies and gentlemen…let the games begin!”