Five Southern New York Counties Come Together to Celebrate Teamwork, Determination, and Community
While the world turned their eyes to Paris and the Summer Olympic Games, staff members and individuals at Living Resources turned their eyes to Platteville, New York where they held their First Southern Region Olympic Games.
Individuals in Living Resources’ Day Communities Opportunity Program (DCOP) in our five Southern New York counties (Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, and Columbia) came together the first week of August for five days filled with activities, sportsmanship, and community. Individuals participated in a number of different challenges including kickball, swimming, corn hole, softball, ribbon twirling, and even a relay race. Though the perseverance and strength of the athletes in Paris is admirable, the determination, perseverance, and strength of the Living Resources athletes is truly awe-inspiring. The games themselves weren’t just a source of physical activity for individuals in the Day Community Opportunities Program, but a source of community, learning, and friendship as well.
Originally, the games were designed for one county but when the other counties in the program heard about it, the wheels began spinning to turn this event into a huge multi-county gathering and a week filled with fun. When asked how the idea Living Resources Olympics was born, Hector Gonzalez, Program Manager of Living Resources Orange County Day Community Opportunities Program stated, “Just seeing how much our individuals like to do outside activities, and [we] wanted to give them a platform to, you know, participate with other counties.”
The majority of the events took place at Thomas Felton Community Park in Platteville, NY. The town generously donated the use of the pavilion and park to Living Resources. The games came to the park just before construction begins on their new ADA-compliant playground. “It’s been a great thing for everyone to be involved with,” remarked Dean. A DePew Sr., Platteville Town Supervisor. He and other community members were present for many of the games as well as the closing ceremony on August 12.
The determination and teamwork of everyone involved, from team members to participants is truly awe-inspiring. “We have such an awesome crew here,” remarked Elizabeth Martin, CEO of Living Resources, during her speech at the closing ceremonies.
The closing ceremonies were especially bittersweet, with many getting emotional during the presentation of medals. When asked what is in store for next year, there were hints at expanding the games to include the Capital Region and beyond, including all of the counties in which Living Resources operates Day Programs.
