Nearly 1,000 athletes and coaches from around the state attended the event. The sports included bocce, cycling, golf, cross country running, soccer, softball and equestrian.

The Adirondack Rednecks unified team of Allen Hurteau, Erik Viscardo, Jeff Walton and Steve Scholosser won a gold medal with two wins in Division A.

In the first game against the Rock and Rollers from the Capital area, the Rednecks won by a score of 12-9. In the second game, the team won 12-2 over the Guilderland High School Unified Team.

The Unified Team B of Don Moore, Mike Nephew, Keith Freeman and Judy Nisson lost their first game to Broome-Tioga United High School Team 12-4. They narrowly edged out Mohonasen High School United Team from Schenectady 12-11 in the second game to earn a bronze medal.

The team of four Special Olympians Scott Haig, Gary Belrose, John Charland and Shannon Thivierge played the Bunch of Fun Rollers from the Central Area in the first round and lost. In the second game against a Plattsburgh area squad, the team came up just short with a solid outing. They were awarded a bronze medal for their efforts.

The three teams were helped by coaches Kayla Ware, Kim Haig and Donna Walsh with support staff Kristie Duprey. The team is also proud of its connections with the local Kiwanis Club, which has three members participating as Unified Partners.

Viscardo has been a Statewide Athlete Leader for the past two years. He was part of a council comprised of athletes from all over the state that gives athletes a voice in the Special Olympics New York organization’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations while also providing advance training and life-skills development. A graduation ceremony was held during the weekend to celebrate Viscardo and others on their accomplishments with the council.

Up next, the Adirondack Rednecks will start their bowling training season at Romano’s Saranac Lanes, Sports Bar and Grill. Viscardo and Moore will also lead the charge for the upcoming Polar Plunge in Lake George on Nov. 23. To donate to the plunge, visit https://tinyurl.com/3u2vszak.