Local swimmer Derrick VanSteinburg competed in the 2024 Special Olympics New York Summer Games. Good luck to Derrick as he heads to Minnesota to compete nationally in 2026. (Submitted Photo)

ITHACA – On Saturday June 15, the Special Olympics New York Summer Games were held in Ithaca and featured local swimmer 23-year-old Derrick VanSteinburg, from the Hamilton area.

The Special Olympics Summer Games are a championship-level sporting event that features track and field, basketball, bowling, power lifting, swimming and many other sports. Qualifying for this event takes months, sometimes years of preparation in training and commitment to their sport, along with qualifying at regional competitions.

To participate in the Special Olympics, any person with a qualifying intellectual disability over the age of eight is eligible to participate. For more information, go to specialolympics-ny.org.

VanSteinburg was a powerhouse at this year’s state games. It was Derrick’s third year competing at the State level, where he won gold medals in the 400 IM, 100M freestyle and the medley relay with his team. His team, the Ithaca Sharks, are coached by Tim Blair and Karli Buday. Derrick also practices and trains at Colgate University in Hamilton, Dryden High School, and is an active member at the Norwich Family YMCA.

Derrick also won a bronze in his first attempt at the 50M butterfly. After winning his individual events at the state level, his next step would be the National level games held in Minnesota in 2026. Derrick’s family is so proud of him and the progression he’s made and continues to make each year.

The Special Olympics and the Ithaca has been a great network for the family, bringing them more of a community feel and a great group of friends that all understand what everyone is going through.

Derrick and his family also hope to spread more awareness to those who have not been able to find resources more locally, know that you’re not alone, and to express gratitude and recognition of the Special Olympics to reach more athletes.

Derrick would also love to thank his mom and sister Abigail for being his best cheerleaders. If you see Derrick, wish him the best of luck on his journey to Minnesota.