Testimonials and Letters of Support

Amanda Siegel, 15 “My mom works for the Arc, and I wanted to help her. Also, [the Special Olympics] is a good [organization] to volunteer for.” Gail Siegel

“I work for the Arc, so you could say I have an invested interest. This is the first time I have helped with the State Games, but it’s pretty busy and it’s an amazing turnout.” Maribeth Doyle, 21

“I think [the Special Olympics] being held in Utica is great for the community. The outpouring of support was incredible. Utica is overlooked for a lot of things because it's a smaller city, and to have an event like the Special Olympics held here, shows others from around the state what Utica and the surrounding areas are all about.”

Dear Shelby....well, last evening at the Main St. Denny's was fabulous! I was so proud of my son Caleb and my nephew Jonathan, as they greeted customers, answered questions, helped with seating and decorated the restaurant with balloons. They proudly wore their Spec Olympics garb and medals. The management and staff warmly welcomed our boys and made them feel comfortable. EACH and EVERY staff member introduced themselves and engaged our sons in conversation. The student helpers from Daemen were also on hand! Quite festive! Even Caleb's teacher (with her entire family) came to supper to support the cause! To frost the cake, Denny's picked up our dinner tab! NICE! Hope to get another opportunity next year!. If you contact the Denny's management, thank them again for a marvelous evening of outreach. Sincerely, Sue Sendziak and Karen Roesser [ photos from event ]

George state police officer from Cops on Top – “No need to thank us, it was seriously a pleasure to help out a wonderful cause The thanks goes to you and SO staff who tirelessly give their time and energy to help such amazingly spirited individuals. We all had a great time and have mentioned we would enjoy doing it again.”

From an athlete that threw the first pitch at a Yankees game – “So happy to throw out the first pitch at the Yankee Stadium, everyone was so kind and nice. Saturday was the best I ever had in my entire life time, I mean that since forever, I want to thank you to be on the stadium grounds, I won a lot of medals but this was the greatest day of my life, I felt so important and so proud, this is was the best day of my life.
[ photos from event ]

Parent of an athlete - “Hey Ellen, want to say thanks for all your efforts for putting out the newsletter is not easy but clear communication is essential for the organization, alto my son Tom only participates minimal in SO it has been a big influence in his and our lives, he has won a gold and silver metals in aquatics in the 1991 in the World Games in Minneapolis and 2006 National Games in Ames, Iowa he started in Duchess county in 1972 we are thankful for SO and your many efforts.”

Tate Nielsen - Ramapo Volunteer “Led a group of volunteers on May 15th in Brewster. The boys that were there really enjoyed helping out and it made a very positive impact on them to see the community that we were volunteering for. I wanted to ask you about your Special Olympics events dates for the fall and spring. We would love to be able to offer service again if possible. Please let me know.”

“I have a very personal connection to Special Olympics and there is nothing I have ever experienced that is more rewarding then the Opening Ceremonies of this wonderful event!”

Laurie Reynolds, NYCC

“Special Olympics is one of, if not the most rewarding organizations I have been affiliated with in my 38 years as Recreation Director.” Anthony Petroccia, NYCC

We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the 2010 NYS Special Olympic Winter Games. The Syracuse University coaches and student-athletes enjoyed the interaction with the Special Olympic athletes during the opening ceremony. There was a great connection athlete-to-athlete. There was plenty of energy and enthusiasm displayed as the Special Olympians were cheered on to excel in their respective events. It reminded our student-athletes about the passion and love for sport that can exist at every level of competition. It was our privilege to support this wonderful program.

I hope that works for you. If not, let me know and we can tweak it! Hope you are well.

Barbara H. Henderson
Senior Associate Director of Athletics
Department of Athletics
Syracuse University

Wish to offer a testimonial of letter of support to Special Olympics New York, please email info@nyso.org, thank you.