- Mark Reynolds
Last week, the Plattekill Town Board supported a motion to partner with the Southern Region of the Day Community Opportunities Program [DCOP] that will be holding a series of Special Olympic Games for those with disabilities at the Town Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 6 and 8 and noon to 2 p.m. on August 7.
Assistant Director for DCOP, Donna King, sent a letter to Supervisor Dean DePew, informing him that her organization serves 149 adults with disabilities in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties, with about 60 individuals of the total coming from Ulster County.
King said they are planning their games to coincide with the World Olympic Games in Paris, France that are set to take place from July 26 to August 11. She noted they will have competitions in the long jump, corn hole tossing, kickball, javelin, volleyball, relay races, badminton, softball and ribbon twirling.
King estimates there will be a maximum of 200 participants who will be supported with staff and their families. The Town Board agreed to waive any park fees for the organization.
Supervisor DePew said he believes, “This is an absolute great opportunity for these folks and I would love to encourage the use of the facilities for them to do this. I make a motion to go forward with this.” The board unanimously approved the motion.