Thursday, October 1, 2026
“I’ve been to the this before. I’ve done this before. Can it be any different than before?”
These were the exact thoughts that entered my mind as I boarded the bus to Mitchel Field on June 1. It’s very easy to forget just how special each of us are. And though we are each unique and face different challenges, it is the ability toconquerthesechallengesthat makes us so brilliant.
For more than 26 years, the Empire Games for the Physically Challenged has celebrated that same brilliance. At East Rockaway High School we’re lucky to have teachers Patrick Collins, Cheri Poland, Kristina Imandt and Athletic DirectorDominicVulpis who spearhead an activity like this for the students at our school. Even so, it’s not about the individual districts — it’s about the celebration of life itself. For us it’s the celebration of our Life Skills class students, and all their wonderfulattributes, with a day full of games in the sunamongfriends.
When my sneakers hit the ground, I found myself standing with more than 10 other volunteers from our school alone, and I realized how especially wonderful these games are.
Theopportunityto interact, the chance to lead, and an up close and personal look at theresilience of these athletes showed me that there is no obstacle course too large for the athlete that never gives up. The 400-meter race? Well, that was a chance to see thecompetitorcome out in everyone. I can’trememberthe last time I cheered so hard. Then there was, an interesting twist on a dunk tank to cool us off in the heat of day.
It was ignorant of me to underestimate the capacity of my feelings about this experience, and it’s easy to forget that no two of us are alike. It’s simple to disregard what unexpected brilliance may arise from unexpected sources. In truth, no two experiences can be the same. Each year, The Empire State Games are incomparable to another. They’re the gift that keeps on giving — the same way I would describe the athletes who play.
