ITHACA, N.Y. (WBNG) — Ithaca College is getting ready for its fourth and final year hosting the summer games for the Special Olympics in New York.
The event kicks off on June 16 with the annual “torch run,” where law enforcement runs with the competing athletes carrying a torch.
“My favorite part is getting the athletes together with all the law enforcement and first responders in the area and just getting to hang out with them,” said Lieutenant Barry Banfield of the Ithaca Police Department. “It’s a fun thing, we’ll be running right down Cayuga Street, can’t miss us, and it’s a good time, and it’s a good way to ring in the games.“
The games themselves require a large number of volunteers to operate. Nearly 300-400 volunteers help run the seven sports: track & field, basketball, bowling, powerlifting, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
Volunteers can assist with anything from scorekeeping to escorting the athletes to presenting them with medals.
“I love meeting the volunteers who might return year after year because they get so much out of it,” said Sara Massa, the program sports director for Special Olympics New York. “Then I love welcoming new volunteers who might not have been a part of our movement before. “
Those who volunteer help make incredible moments at the Special Olympics possible, such as with four-year volunteer Mary Holland-Bavis.
“There was an athlete in particular, Brad, who was doing the free-throwing competition. He just looks at me and goes ‘this one’s for you’ and then he takes the shot and swooshes it and everyone lost their mind,“ Holland-Bavis told 12 News.
Much of the afternoon of May 14 was spent with former volunteers, athletes and law enforcement officials reflecting on their favorite part of the games.
The summer games are still accepting volunteers to help make the 2025 games possible. For more information on how to volunteer, go to their website.
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