Floor Hockey 2019
Screams, cheers and pure emotion flooded the Empire Room at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center as 25 floor hockey teams from across New York State competed throughout the day.
Floor hockey — a mix of ringette and ice hockey — is played with a stick and a felt puck and follows the same rules as ice hockey. Smiles spread from ear to ear as the teams from seven different divisions scored goals, celebrated wins and shared moments with their friends, families and fans. “The volunteers are super … and the atmosphere in here is awesome,” said Nancy Logan, the sports director for floor hockey.
Special Olympics competition serves as the qualifier for the 2021 World Games — each division winner will have the chance to earn a spot in the competition, though there is no guarantee of advancing.
– Cayla Keiser
Athlete Tim Kelly goes through his pregame ritual before participating in the floor hockey competition. Kelly, who competes for the Lifetime Assistance team, explained that sitting under the flag for a couple of minutes gets him excited for competition. "That flag makes me feel special, like I can win the gold," said Kelly. (Photo by Jeffrey L. Mills)
The First All-Women's Team: The P.721M City Hawks
Nataly Garcia, middle, and other team members of the all-women's P.721M City Hawks team cheer before a match. After fighting to make an all-women's team, the girls are proud they can center in the middle of the rink and scream together with pride: "CITY HAWKS!" (Photo by Dillon Berrus)
The P.721M City Hawks became a reality when teammates Darlenis Moya Luna and Stephanie Garcia wrote a letter to their principal asking to start an all-women's floor hockey team. They were inspired by Inspired by the 721M City Hawks Varsity Floor Hockey Team that participated in the 2017 World Winter Games in Austria. "The process of building an all female team was not easy," explained Head Coach Oscar Vincente, "Practice time and space was limited. Proper equipment was required." There was uncertainty about the team from parents and teachers, understanding that these high school girls would be competing against adults - mostly men. But the girls were committed to making this team a reality. As word spread that the girls were pushing to make their own team, they found support from many. Thanks to the commitment and generosity of their Principals, New York City Department of Education, Special Olympics New York, and 721M coaches, they were able to form a team and participate in Special Olympics tournaments, including the Winter Games in Rochester, New York.
Antonia Colon, left, makes a face at her teammate Darlenis Moya Luna, right, during a delay of the games.(Photo by Dillon Berrus)
Antonia Colon, left, and Stephanie Garcia, middle, of The P.721M City Hawks battle for the puck during a match. (Photo by Dillon Berrus)
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