By Lex Paull

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Energy is high on the opening day of the 2026 Special Olympics New York (SONY). Athletes from across nine different counties in the state traveled for a competitive weekend filled with sports, skill and spirit. Booths line the center area, offering support and services to athletes as they prepare for the competition.

Volunteers Anna Bucierka and Karla Bonaldi work at the competition-readiness station, handing out winter sports essentials, such as lotion and hand warmers.

“I’m volunteering because I love to volunteer,” Bucierka said. “…It gives me a lot of happiness and joy to do this.”

Along with volunteering with Special Olympics, Bucierka also helped collect essential items, such as socks, toothbrushes and diapers, to send to Ukrainian refugees in Poland in 2022.

Larry Thompson has been volunteering with Special Olympics for 25 years and has worked for The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler, an organization that provides support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“To me, it may come across kind of strange,” Thompson said. “But I look at [Special Olympics] as my family.”

The first day of Special Olympics concluded with a weekend Opening Ceremony filled with celebration and excitement. Hudson Valley Region Special Olympic athlete John Reale took a moment to speak to the crowd.

“Special Olympics shows that sports are for everyone,” Reale said. “I like overcoming my challenges and showing up to competitions with confidence.”

Reale has been competing in Special Olympics for over 12 years, playing in volleyball, fitness, floor hockey, floorball, basketball, Unified basketball, track and field and a Unified relay. The year prior, he competed in the Unified basketball team with his twin brother Joseph Reale.

“Playing together shows us the true meaning of inclusion,” Reale said.