Commemorating the hosting of the 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games in the City of Utica and Oneida County

Assembly Resolution No. 1519

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

        COMMEMORATING  the  hosting  of  the  2026 Special
        Olympics New York State Summer Games in the City  of
        Utica and Oneida County

  WHEREAS,  It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend  events  of  great  significance  which  foster  unity,  inspire
excellence,  and  strengthen  the  spirit  of communities throughout the
State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commemorate the hosting of the 2026  Special  Olympics  New  York  State
Summer  Games  in the City of Utica and Oneida County, taking place June
5-7, 2026; and

  WHEREAS,  The  Special  Olympics  movement  stands  as  a   powerful
testament  to  the values of inclusion, perseverance, dignity, and human
potential,  providing  athletes  with  intellectual   disabilities   the
opportunity  to compete, grow, and inspire communities across the globe;
and

  WHEREAS, The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games  will
bring together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across New York
State  to  compete  in basketball, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, track
and field, and volleyball; and

  WHEREAS, Utica University will serve as the host site for the Summer
Games each June from 2026 to 2028, in partnership  with  numerous  local
institutions  and  organizations,  including  Hamilton  College,  Mohawk
Valley Community College, the Utica  Parkway  Recreation  Center,  local
volunteers, and community stakeholders committed to ensuring the success
of this extraordinary event; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  the  weekend  of  June  5-7,  2026,  athletes,
coaches, families, volunteers, and spectators will gather in the  Mohawk
Valley  to  celebrate  athletic  achievement,  community spirit, and the
enduring mission of the Special Olympics movement; and

  WHEREAS, In addition to athletic competition, the Summer Games  will
feature opening and closing ceremonies, health and wellness initiatives,
youth  engagement  opportunities,  and  celebrations  that  will further
promote understanding, compassion, and inclusion throughout  the  Mohawk
Valley region; and

  WHEREAS,  The  hosting  of  the 2026 Special Olympics New York State
Summer Games reflects the welcoming spirit,  generosity,  and  community
pride  of  the  City  of  Utica  and Oneida County, while also providing
meaningful economic and cultural benefits to the region; and

  WHEREAS, The athletes participating in these games  embody  courage,
determination,  sportsmanship, and resilience, serving as an inspiration
to all New Yorkers and reminding  us  that  greatness  is  measured  not

solely  by  victory,  but  by  the willingness to strive, persevere, and
uplift others; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
profound impact of the Special Olympics  movement  and  to  commend  all
athletes,  coaches,  volunteers,  organizers,  sponsors,  families,  and
community partners whose dedication makes  these  games  possible;  now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the hosting of the 2026  Special  Olympics  New  York  State
Summer Games in the City of Utica and Oneida County from June 5-7, 2026,
and  to  extend its sincere appreciation to all those whose efforts will
contribute to the success of this remarkable event; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to  the  organizers  of  the 2026 Special Olympics New York
State Summer  Games,  participating  host  institutions,  and  community
partners.