Nineteen students proudly wore their Dutchess BOCES Bulldogs jerseys and represented the Salt Point campus with pride at the Hudson Valley Special Olympics Regional Aquatics & Basketball Competition at Marist University March 30.
The Bulldogs also took home 18 medals – six gold, three silver, three bronze, four fourth-place medals, one fifth and one sixth. Each student received either a medal or ribbon.
“Our students had a blast,” said Erin Scott, a teacher at the Career and Technical Institute, who has been involved with Special Olympics for 30 years. “They were polite, respectful and showed great sportsmanship. Our parents were very thankful, and families enjoyed cheering on our athletes.”
The 19 students represented Salt Point Center and Pegasus in the basketball skills competition, which stressed shooting, passing and dribbling. Marist student-athletes volunteered their time to oversee events and encourage the Special Olympians.
“I’m happy to be here with my friends, and I’m having a lot of fun,” said Reagan Albach, a student at Salt Point Center.
Adam Repinz, a physical education teacher for 34 years at Dutchess BOCES, distributed the team jerseys to athletes. He helped students prepare for the event.
“It’s fun to watch the kids have fun and be in a big gym like this. They don’t get that chance very often,” said Repinz, who coached basketball at Dover and Rhinebeck high schools.
“I like seeing the smiles on their faces when they do well.”
Naszel Amezquita was putting his BOCES jersey on over a LeBron James shirt. James is his favorite player and he expects the Los Angeles Lakers to do well in the NBA playoffs.
“I’m excited to be here. I enjoy shooting and playing basketball. It’s fun,” he said.
In related Special Olympics news:
- Ryan Chin, a former CTI student, won a silver medal in figure skating at the World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, in March.
- In February, 11 Dutchess BOCES community members, organized by Scott, took part in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Fishkill. The team raised over $6,500, which is used to assist athletes and competitions, like the one at Marist, in the Hudson Valley. Mark your calendar for Feb. 21, 2026, for next year’s plunge.
Onassis and Dominick Tavarez participate in the dribbling competition as coach Erin Scott and physical education teacher Adam Repinz watch.