By Vi Monsees

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Nazareth University’s Golisano Training Center opened its doors at 8:45 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2026, to welcome 24 teams of Special Olympics athletes from around New York State for its annual floorball competition. Split into six divisions, participating athletes started competing in the late morning and played through the afternoon.

Courts packed with players and lined with spectators roared to life between encouraging words from teammates on the bench during sprints down rinks or eruptions of cheers from the crowd after athletes scored. Floorball’s quick pace highlighted the skills of athletes in real-time, including their stick work and shots. Off-court, teams spent time running practice drills and supporting other athletes.

“Being a leader’s not as easy as you think it is,” said Kenai Nicholas, a captain for the City Hawks. “You go to learn discipline. We’ve got to learn our strengths and weaknesses in teamwork.”

Nicholas, from Manhattan, has been playing floorball for three years. His team won bronze in Special Olympics 2023, silver in 2024 and gold in 2025.

By Vi Monsees

ROCHESTER, N.Y. —The high energy and intense competition in Nazareth University’s Golisano Training Center was noticed by the Buffalo Hot Shots, the top division of the floorball competition for Special Olympics New York (SONY), under volunteer coach Brian Pane on Feb. 21, 2026.

“It’s a competitive sport,” said Pane, who’s spent 22 years working in special education, “We’re here to play. When it’s competition, it’s competition.”

Pane, who works in the Cheektowaga Central School District as a special education teacher, is a coach for unified sports and leadership at Cheektowaga. When unified sports first entered his district 10 years ago, it was Pane’s first time in special education after a 12-year hiatus. Pane reported that he was thrilled to participate once again and help others carry out their dreams.

“Take the opportunity and try it out. If one sport isn’t your jam, try a different one. There’s a lot out there… understand that if you’re a volunteer, you’re really helping someone else,” said Pane.

Floorball is a new sport the Buffalo Hot Shots have been playing. Pane said before the event that the team was excited to continue playing after regionals last week. They earned bronze in their division after losing their first game and winning their second.

On his work with the Buffalo Hot Shots, Pane says, “You know, we’re like a big family… We always say on a Friday night, ‘Where else would you rather be than right here with your group of guys?’ They are really a tremendous group… they’re a joy to be around, they have fun.” The Hot Shots will commute back to Buffalo Saturday night.