Special Olympics honored at RIT Field House dedication

September 22, 2004
On Friday September 10, several thousand students, Board members, alumni, members of the community, and government officials gathered on the RIT campus to dedicate the new Gordon Field House and Activity Center. This $25M multi-use facility provides RIT students and alumni with a six lane 25 meter pool, a separate recreational aquatics center, six basketball courts, an awesome fitness center, racquetball courts, an indoor athletic center and state of the art arena that can accommodate 8,000. The Dedication Ceremony included comments from Jim Kelly, four-time Super Bowl quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as an inspiring speech entitled “Dare to Dream” delivered by Special Olympics Global Messenger Adolph Dupree. Adolph, who was accompanied by five other Special Olympics Athletes from the Life Time Assistance training club, shared how Special Olympics provides a forum for individuals with intellectual disabilities including mental retardation, to train and compete in Olympic-style sports improving their physical fitness and self-esteem, and connection with the community. Adolph thanked RIT President Al Simone for providing a great group of volunteers and for hosting many Special Olympics competitions. Adolph and the Special Olympics Athletes received a rousing standing ovation from the audience who watched clips from Special Olympics competitions.
A long time supporter of Special Olympics, RIT has hosted the annual Special Olympics Track and Field event for the last fifteen years. In 1997-1998 RIT was the host site for Special Olympics New York Summer Games. Cindee Gray, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations indicates that RIT is proud of its relationship with Special Olympics and that the RIT community looks forward to hosting many future Special Olympics events in its new Field House and the accompanying outdoor Track and Field. Special Olympics Genesee Region Director, David McEneany thanked Cindee for including Special Olympics in this ceremony and for the generous support RIT provides to Special Olympics. Our athletes are blessed to be able to train and compete in state of the art facilities like the new RIT Field House. We look forward to filling the field house with volunteers and spectators who recognize and appreciate the awesome courage and skills our athletes demonstrate.