The inaugural Queensbury Unity Games invoked the spirit of the first-ever Special Olympics competition at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 1968.
Throughout the day, Spartan athletes proudly embodied the mission of inclusion championed by advocates like Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Their fierce competition and passionate participation created an energetic and uplifting atmosphere.
When asked to summarize the morning experience, Queensbury High School hurdles champion Chloe Harris offered, “I loved the trike race and hurdles … I am sooo happy!”
Cole Zarczynski, the QHS overall points leader who captured titles in the obstacle course, long jump, softball throw, 50-yard dash and trike race, confided, “I work hard and am always prepared. It feels good to be the champion.”
Senior Chris DiPlacido shared, “This is a great event. I have unified physical education every ‘A’ day with a lot of these athletes. It’s great to be able to share the beauty and love for sport, and awesome we’re able to share this with them.”
Queensbury High School teachers Bob Jones and Lisa Higley expertly organized the event but were quick to praise everyone involved.
“This was one of the better events that I’ve ever been a part of,“ exclaimed Jones. “For both the students we work with and school community that came out to support them … it kinda takes your breath a little.”
“I give kudos to the Youth Activation Committee which initiated all this,” expressed Higley. “We had kids from clubs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Best Buddies that wanted to help out. Our team of administrators came together to launch this. We wanted something similar to the unified basketball assembly game to showcase happiness, kindness and the idea of inclusivity. The world needs more of this. I really give credit to all the athletes … they bring so much joy, and we love them. They’re the best.”
Queensbury Elementary School student-athletes took to the QHS Stadium Field in the afternoon to participate in station rotations that included cornhole, a fill-the-bucket challenge using sponges and towels, scoop toss, ring toss, hurdles and long jump.
During a break from the scoop toss, kindergartner Ava Fuller revealed, “I like to play. My friend J.J. [Fuller] was kind and gave me a hug. That made me happy.”
Third-grade phenom Charlie Soprano didn’t hesitate to convey his excitement about the festivities.
“My favorite things were the hurdles, ring toss and hydration station,” said Soprano.
QES physical education teacher Emma DeMatteo gushed, “I love it. I’m so proud of the kids that are here as helpers, and I’m also really proud of my kiddos stepping out of their comfort zone and having fun.”
QUFSD Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Gwynne Cosh punctuated the day by declaring, “Watching the kids really cheer each other on and work collaboratively as a team was one of the highlights of my year.”
Queensbury High School first-place finishers
400-meter dash: Cameron Frasier, 1:35.85
Long jump: Cole Zarczynski, 9 feet, 4 inches
Frisbee throw: Liam Collins, 60 feet, 5 inches
Softball throw: Cole Zarczynski, 169 feet, 6 inches
Basket toss: Oliver Burns, 10 made tosses
Obstacle course: Cole Zarczynski, 50.40 seconds
Soccer kick: Cameron Frasier, 87.9 feet
Hurdles: Chloe Harris
50-yard dash: Cole Zarczynski, 9.37 seconds
Trike race: Cole Zarczynski
Queensbury High School Overall Points
Cole Zarczynski 40
Liam Collins 30
Samuel Shettlewood 28
Jace Staunches 28
Cameron Frasier 22
Alex Payne 22
Olivia Affinito 20
Chloe Harris 19
Jon Condon 15
Oliver Burns 10
Bryce Campney 10
Brandon Holcomb 1