Special Olympics New York’s 2011 State Fall Games Features Equine Sports
More than 1,000 athletes and coaches from across New York State came together for the 2011 State Fall Games which took place on Oct. 21 and 22 at various venues throughout Glens Falls. The State Fall Games are one of three annual state games and more than 3,500 total competitions held each year throughout New York. All events were free and open to the public.
Albert Chu of Locust Valley received a Silver medal for the obstacle course and Bronze medal for equitation as he took part in the Special Olympics held this year. “We are very proud of him,” said his mother, Tan-Na Chu.
Ms. Chu said the Long Island equestrian team had nine athletes to compete in the State Games and they are doing very well this year. The Fall State Games also has Soccer, Bocce, Golf, Softball, Cycling, and Cross Country with more than 1,000 athletes to complete.
There are 40-50 athletes from Long Island. They left early Friday morning, Oct. 21 on two Coach Buses heading to Glens Falls and came back late Saturday night, Oct. 22.
Amazingly, Yao said, “There is one girl on Albert’s team and she is legally blind. She rides so well that when the horse started loping in the ring, she had no problems to stop the horse. They had to change horses for her. She earned two Gold medals.
