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.