Special Olympics packs stands, boosts local economy

More than 200 people packed the RCS Aquatics Center on Super Bowl Sunday as a Special Olympics meet drew athletes and supporters from across the Capital Region and beyond.

While the 85 special Olympians were the winners of the annual meet, so were area businesses, RCS  Aquatics Director Dave Burns said.

The Olympians and their supporters - who traveled from as far away as Glens Falls - patronized many local establishments throughout the day, including coffee shops, delis and restaurants. The latter provided 27 pizzas for the athletes and the their families for an after-competition celebration.

"it was a great day for the athletes and a good day for the area," Burns said. "We should all be proud."