SYRACUSE -- More than four hundred athletes and coaches were cheered on by fans, friends and family as they entered the 2010 Special Olympics New York Winter Games Opening Ceremony. Athletes from each region of the state were escorted by members of Syracuse University's mens basketball team. The Ceremony was a kickoff to a day of skiing, skating, snowshoe and hockey competitions tomorrow.
"You're just so proud. They work so hard every week, they come to practice on time," said Judy Gotch who coaches snowshoe. "It all comes down to this day and the coaches are just as excited as the athletes."
Kevin Flaemt prefers to play defense for the Western Region hockey squad but he said he couldn't lie about his team's strength.
"We're a high scoring team," said Flaemt.
While Flaemt said a medal would be nice, he thought the best part of the weekend was being with his friends on the team.
It was a common theme around the games. Jake Schneider has been practicing on snowshoes every week but said the race was really about the people around him.
"I get to be with my friends for the competition," said Schneider.
Several coaches said that after all the hard work and training these athletes have done, the cheers and recognition at the opening ceremony was well deserved.
Theresa Wagner says "It's a lot of fun for them. They get to come with their friends, be roommates together in the hotel then come out and play," said hockey coach Theresa Wagner.
There are Special Olympic events all over the Syracuse area on Saturday. Alpine skiing is at Toggenburg Mountain, Snowshoe events are at Thornden Park in the city, hockey and skating events are downtown at the War Memorial and Oncenter. Nordic Skiing events will be held at Highland Forest.
