Special Olympians Converge on Rochester
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: February 24, 2013
More than 600 Special Olympians converged on Rochester for the New York State Winter Games.
"I had to beg my mom to let me skate because she wasn't sure if I could," said Cori Piels.
At 28 years old,Cori Piels is a rockstar for others with developmental disabilities.
"When I first got out there my mom was shocked, really shocked," said Piels.
This Rochester figure skater is looking for the win.
As were hundreds of other athletes at the New York State Special Olympic Winter Games.
This is the second year it's been held in Rochester.
"It helps you become a graceful man," said Matthew
"There are so many things against them in terms of their ability to get through life and then they step onto these courts and fields and there are winners and victorsm" said Shelly Nangle, Executive VP of the Special Olympics.
"Floor hockey is the most popular sport here at the state special olympics, more than 300 athletes coming here today"
"Send it down, send it down," yelled Steve Marshall from the sidelines.
He is part father, part coach.
"This is their opportunity to glow," said Steve Marshall.
"Let's go, let's go," he yelled towards his team.
Andy Marshall is on his dad's team, the Fingerlakes Sabres.
This is their home turf.
"We are having a great time and hope we go for the gold," said Andy Marshall, an athlete.
Then there are the players who came from a distance.
"We got here yesterday, it took us 5 hours to come down here," said Joseph Valdez, an compeitor.
Joseph Valdez is one of the oldest.
He's from Manhattan and 64 years old.
Age isn't even a question.
"I compete with any age, it doesn't matter," said Joseph Valdez, a floor hockey player.
These are the best of the best from across the state.
"It's a pleasure with a lot of hard work and competition," said Anthony Hasan, an athlete.
On site, players get fitness evaluations to prevent injuries.
"They need to be as fit as they can be and to be the best they can be. They are world class athletes going for the gold," said Ann Costello, Director of Golisano
No matter your ability.
"I am very proud of being an athlete," said Hasan.
It's hard not to feel like a winner.
Skiing and snowshoeing events also took place at Bristol and Swain Mountains.
Medals were awarded this afternoon.
