The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged returned to SUNY Brockport on October 17 and 18 for another year of fiercely fun competition.
The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged is a free adapted sports program for youth ages five to 21 years with physical or developmental challenges.
Since the competition was first founded in 1988, SUNY Brockport has been home to the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, welcoming hundreds of athletes to compete each year. This year’s athletes came from various areas of Upstate New York, from Albion to Lockport to Hilton.
Athletes participate in a wide variety of track and field events, competing for gold, silver and bronze medals and ribbons for fourth, fifth and sixth place.
The games kicked off on Friday, October 17 with the opening ceremonies in the Tuttle North Gyms at 10 a.m. The track and field competition were the first events at this year’s games, held in the SERC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Athletes participated in several full track events, including the 200-meter, 400-meter, 800-meter and 1500-meter dashes.
Athletes competed in a variety of field events, from discus and distance kick to precision throw and shot put. Athletes also competed in the soft discus, soft shot and club throw events, which were held in the outdoor field. Additional events featured at this year’s games included archery in the outdoors field and long jump in the indoor track area.
Program director Susan Maxwell has coordinated the games for over 15 years, overseeing everything from volunteers and transportation to medals and uniforms.
“This was the 28th year celebrating the abilities of these amazing athletes. The partnership between the Games for the Physically Challenged and the College at Brockport has been a true blessing,” Maxwell said in an email.
“For the athletes, this is a day to be free of struggles, to compete with peers of the same ability, to enhance self-esteem and to meet new friends. They look forward to coming to the Games each year. Many of the volunteers are Brockport students who serve as athlete buddies and field event officials, as well as the athletic training students helping with first aid.”
The games continued into Saturday, October 18 with the swimming competition in the Tuttle North pool at 10 a.m., where athletes competed in the power wheelchair swimming events; backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke.
The athletes who competed in this year’s 38th annual Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged ended the competition as winners, with all participants receiving a “Personal Best” ribbon for their dedicated accomplishments throughout the games.
The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged will return to the SUNY Brockport campus next fall, promising yet another year of intensely entertaining competition.
