The Special Olympics kicked off nationwide. New York currently serves more than 51,000 athletes throughout the state. They train for weeks and months to prepare for local, regional and statewide competition. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The 2012 State Summer Games will be held in Buffalo… during the weekend of June 15-17, 2012.