Opening Ceremonies 2019
Athletes and coaches traveled to Rochester from all across New York state to kick off the Special Olympics Winter Games. The opening ceremonies were held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on February 22 featuring a parade of athletes, entertainment and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. The Honorary Chair of the Winter Games is Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. The Winter Games Organizing Committee is led by Co-Chairs Dennis Mullen, of The Mullen Group, and Maggie Brooks, from Regional Transit Service.
Torch Bearer, Kayla McKeon
Kayla McKeon, a native of Cicero, N.Y. and one of three torch bearers participating in the opening ceremonies. McKeon, who is taking classes toward her associate degree at Onondaga Community College, is also the first registered Capitol Hill lobbyist with Down Syndrome. Photos by Sam Kang, left, and Mustafa Hussain, above and right.
Opening Ceremonies Moments
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Winter Games Preparations
Ed Hufsmith organizes the balloons during setup for the New York State Special Olympics Winter Games. (Photo by Sam Kang)
Volunteers assist athletes and their families as they check in before the start of opening ceremonies. (Photo by Zoë Smith)
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