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Special Olympics Returning To Dutchess County In 2017

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Special Olympics New York will return to the Hudson Valley this winter for the second year in a row, according to Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro.

Athletes were in Dutchess County on Tuesday to announce that the Special Olympics will return to Dutchess in 2017.

Athletes were in Dutchess County on Tuesday to announce that the Special Olympics will return to Dutchess in 2017.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Set for February, the 2017 Winter Games will follow the 2016 event, which broke records for volunteer recruitment, fan attendance and sponsorship support, Molinaro said Tuesday while announcing the upcoming Games from Bowdoin Park Pavilion 5.

“This year, the local Games Organizing Committee looks to replicate that success with one key difference – snow,” Molinaro said in the county’s statement.

According to Molinaro, last year’s Games organizers were forced to adapt when a lack of snowfall forced last minute venue changes for certain events.

Taking matters into their own hands this year, Molinaro, honorary chairman of the 2017 Winter Games and Frank Castella, Games Organizing Committee co-chair, joined some Special Olympics athletes Tuesday in dressing in pajamas. 

The odd clothing is viewed by some as a "proven snow day quirky superstition" that will ensure snow for the Games, according to the county.

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