While the Hudson Valley was well represented in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, the celebration of the region’s athleticism continues into 2025 thanks to one remarkable local athlete. A member of the Dutchess Figure Skating Club and a Wappingers Falls resident, 23-year-old Ryan Chin will represent Team USA at the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. Chin, who has spent the past 11 years of his life honing his craft and inspiring others on and off the ice, will get the chance to showcase his skills on the world stage during the winter games, which run from March 8-15 next year.
“It’s a dream come true to represent the USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin,” says Chin. “Skating has taught me many valuable life skills and given me a place in the community where I feel at home. I’m proud to show what hard work and dedication can achieve.”
An athlete for much of his life thus far, Chin started skating at age 12 in a therapeutic ice-skating program offered by the McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie. At first, the goal was simply to get Chin, who has autism with a receptive language disability, to a place where he could safely and happily skate with his parents, brother, and sister during the holiday season. It took a little time, but with equal parts determination and joy, Chin mastered skill after skill, advancing through figure skating levels at an admirable clip.
“I don’t know how long I’ll keep skating. I didn’t know I would come this far!”
After quickly excelling in his skills and moving up the figure skating levels, Chin began competing in Special Olympics New York Winter Games figure skating competitions at age 15. The Wappingers Falls resident went on to earn seven gold medals in seven competition seasons — doing the impossible thanks to determination, devotion, and support from his fellow skaters and coaches Heather O’Connor, Deirdre Bonanno, and Sergei Sakhnovskiy.
The Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, offers opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy while fostering a spirit of inclusion, friendship, and community. As someone who embodies the mission of the organization, Chin’s qualification for competition in the games is an amalgamation of his tenacity and passion for the sport of figure skating.
Preparing for his time under the global spotlight has been a major undertaking. Chin has three or four two-hour skate sessions each week, working with his coaches, practicing tough individual elements he struggles with, and continuously polishing his full programs. All this effort is geared to one thing: wanting to “just go out and do it and impress the crowd,” he says. When he isn’t skating, Chin enjoys cooking and making desserts he likes.
“Ryan’s drive and love for figure skating has been an inspiration to everyone at the McCann Ice Arena,” says Heather O’Connor, one of Chin’s coaches and Learn to Skate Director at the McCann Ice Arena. “We’re incredibly proud of his accomplishment and can’t wait to cheer him on as he takes on the world stage in Turin.”
As for Chin, he’s excited for the chance to show his skills on a global stage. “I can’t wait to meet other athletes from around the world, share this amazing experience with them, and try real Italian food!” he enthuses. “I’m ready to bring home a gold medal win for Team USA.”
The largest inclusive sporting event across the globe, the Special Olympics World Games showcases the talents of over 1,500 athletes with disabilities from more than 190 countries. To support Ryan Chin, community members can donate to his JustGiving page to help cover the cost of travel for him, his parents, and a coach, as well as entry fees into the figure skating competition in March.
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