West Point Special Olympics Spring Games

The flag was flying overhead early Saturday morning as a crisp wind blew off the Hudson. First light illuminated the athletes gradually appearing on the sprawling West Point campus. Like stars slowly appearing at dusk, first one or two, then a handful and then, seemingly in an instant, blanketing the night sky.

The day marked the 2015 Special Olympics Spring games at West Point Military academy. An event highlighted as much by the athleticism and unwavering spirit of the participants as by the pomp and circumstance rolled out from West Point cadets and commanding officers. Swimmers, sprinters, shot putters, javelin throwers and relay teams from all over the State met to engage in the sacred tradition of the Olympic competition.

First the parade of athletes; Teams assembled in tight formation to march around the track as scores of cadets, friends and family members roared in approval. The Sharks were resplendent, replete in full team regalia, American flag pins secured tightly to their costumes and flags sporting 50 stars, 50 stripes and the red , white and blue flapping proudly in the wind. We are Sharks and we are patriots.

Opening ceremonies continued with the national anthem, dedications to soldiers lost in foreign conflicts, recognition of our athletes, all ending with a spectacular sky diving show from the West Point jump team. With the sound of the horn the Spring 2015 games had begun.

The Sharks took to the water quickly with purpose. They had been training all season for this apex event and it showed. Shark team members dominated in every event they entered- 25 meters, 50 meters, backstroke, breast stroke and topped off the day with an all Sharks relay race.

There cannot be enough said about the cadets who were paired up with our athletes. The aspiring Army officers took to our Sharks like old friends, encouraging them every step of the way. There was genuine interest in our athletes, families and staff from these young leaders.

Douglas Campbell had a break through day competing and completing the 25 meter and 50 meter freestyle event. The crowd cheered him the entire way through. Ryan Urquhart had an amazing showing sporting some personal best times at the 50 meter free- 38.26 and the 25 meter free- 16.58. Scoring a gold for both races. Swimmer Liam Cadigan also had a fantastic day in the pool by receiving recognition for both his 25 meter backstroke and 25 meter freestyle.

The Sharks rolled up deep to West Point. Toting 24 competing swimmers, the Sharks far exceeded the number of swimmers from any other team there. All 24 swimmers have something to be proud of from this past Saturday. The determination was visible in every event they competed in.  A season of hard work paid off tenfold at West Point.

9th Annual Lauren Rizzetta Memorial Bowling Tournament

Come out for the 9th Annual Lauren Rizzetta Memorial Special Olympics Bowling Tournament. We will have fun competing and remembering our friend Lauren during this Special Olympic event. To participate you must have a current Special Olympic medical on file. 

Please wear your South East Consortium Bowling Team Shirt and sweat pants or pants (no blue jeans allowed). Bring a sack lunch and money for the snack bar.

Transportation is available on a limited basis to the event. If you are interested in transportation please let us know when your return your registration.

We must submit a list by the end of the week so please send those registrations bask asap, or just call the office and let us know.

Special Olympics Swim Meet 3/22/14

The Sharks were in the water and were on the hunt for gold.

This past Saturday members of the South East Consortium Sharks Swim team competed in the 2014 Stephen Sturgis Memorial Aquatics Competitions.

The competition, held at White Plains High School, hosted several swim clubs from around the area including North East, YWCA, White Plains Park and Recreation and the Mamaroneck Star Fish.

The Sharks had been focusing on their freestyle, backstroke and team relays at practice and it definitely showed this weekend. The team took home 7 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze and placed in every other event they were entered in.

Additionally the two relay teams entered both came out of the pool wearing gold for their efforts.  There was definitely some sore necks from all that hanging metal the next day!

Every athlete improved their personal best times recorded at practice. Some new comers to the event made a real splash. John MacAulay showed up big time on Saturday motoring through the 50 free style with a time of 40:41. Zoe Smith’s debut was met with much success in the 25 Free and 25 backstroke.

Both South East Consortium’s relay teams flexed their muscle cruising easily to first place in the 100 meter relay event. The relay teams were comprised of Matthew Teator, Andrew Myers, Danny Maloney, Ryan Urquhart. The second team was made up of Carly Horowitz, Nikita Afanasiev, JD Stiner and John MacAulay.

The Sharks will be heading up to compete at West Point Military Academy on April 26^th.

South East Consortium West Point Meet

This past Saturday the Sharks Swim Team made the trip up through the Hudson Valley to West Point Military academy to compete in the aquatics portion of the annual 2013 Spring Games West.

The event, hosted by Special Olympics New York, saw teams from all over the lower Hudson valley and as far away as Long Island competing in aquatic events.

The day started with opening ceremonies at West Point’s Shea Stadium. Each athlete was partnered up with a West Point cadet volunteer. The cadets escorted the Sharks around the field during the parade of athletes prior to the torch lighting ceremony. Our cadets followed us to the swimming pool facility where they continued their spirited support.

The Sharks dominated in both single events and team relays. Athletes competed in various events including the 25 meter free, 50 meter free, 100 meter free, 50 meter breast stroke, and 50 meter back stroke. Relays included the 25 meter free and 50 meter free.

Athletes who participated in the 4x50 meter relay placed 1^st in an exciting, down to the wire dash to the finish. Those athletes included Andrew Myers, Gianfranco Siciliano, Matthew Teator and Jakob Supranowitz.

Other medalists included Liam Cadigan who grabbed his first gold medal for his efforts in the 25 meter backstroke. The Sharks showed a strong presence in the 25 meter breast stroke. Something they had been working very hard on at practice. All preformed beautifully.

All athletes broke their personal bests in time in at least one event. Overall a successful day for all participants.