BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter
Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor/Reporter
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was a landmark legislation that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and public accommodations.
The 21st century has seen continued progress in disability rights, with advancements in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion.
This is where the Special Olympics comes into play. The Kennedys, specifically President John F. Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a key figure in the movement, was inspired by his vision of a more inclusive society and the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation played a crucial role in funding the first Special Olympics Games in 1968.
Charles “Bones” Jones founded the Rockland County Special Olympics program in 1970, just two years after Eunice Kennedy Shriver launched the international movement. Jones was one of the earliest local organizers in New York State to embrace Shriver’s vision, starting with a small group of athletes and volunteers. His work helped create opportunities for competition and inclusion in Rockland long before the program became widespread across the Hudson Valley.
Sue Jones (widow of Charles Jones) explained that The Rockland County Special Olympics was started by her and late husband Charles. “We were both recreation therapists at Letchworth Village, early 70s, 71, 72. We heard about this new program that the Kennedys started, so we said let’s try it, and we did, and the rest is history. The history is it grew into a most tremendous program in Rockland County.”
Sue Jones explained that they started it at Letchworth which was an institution for those who were special developmentally disabled. It had a very large population of special people. “We had 6000 clients at Letchworth at the beginning, so we had quite a large group to pick from. We had a great pickings and we could do it with everybody. We started it with the Jessie Kaplan BOCES school, with the PE teacher.”
“There really was in the beginning nothing for people with disabilities. There’s nothing else for them to do. There were no other opportunities, now there are more, but at that time there was nothing. There was nothing sports wise for people with disabilities to do.” Nancy Logan, who works with Sue Jones organizing the Rockland Special Olympics said.
Jones added, “Yeah, it was quite profound when the Kennedys started it. They started in the backyard in Chicago or something right and it was Soldier Field. That’s what they still call it Soldier Field the original one but that’s how the Kennedys started. That’s the beginning everyone always thought Special Olympics was track and field. There was just a Track and Field because that’s all it was. But then the other sports continued to just be added on, and we grew and we did everything that we could.”
As a result of Charles Jones’ vision, Special Olympians now have the opportunity to gather together to recognize the accomplishments of those who have participated and excelled in various activities as the Athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers from across Rockland County did on November 5, 2025, at the Haverstraw Elks Club for their Annual Special Olympics Awards Celebration. The evening was filled with recognition, friendship, and community pride
The event began with a community dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, giving everyone a chance to relax and connect before the awards. After the presentations, ice cream was served, and athletes received souvenirs donated by AMC Theatres. Volunteers were recognized with Rockland Special Olympics T-shirts in appreciation of their service.
Charles Jones’ efforts led to the creation of Rockland’s Special Olympics soccer division in 1982. He approached Ross Klein, a therapist working for the state and the agency Another Step, who had also played college and semi-pro soccer.
Klein enthusiastically joined and eventually became the soccer coach and director for Rockland’s Special Olympics. What began with two teams has now grown into eight, a legacy built on teamwork and community support. Notably, some athletes have been part of the program since its very beginning in 1982, showing decades of dedication and commitment.
Most of Rockland’s Special Olympics soccer games are held at North Rockland High School in Thiells, where athletes from across the county practice and compete throughout the season. The North Rockland Soccer Association provides fields, equipment, and lighting. Local colleges, including Dominican University, and organizations like the New York City Football Club have also contributed to the program over the years. The program has thrived thanks to volunteers who share a love of the game.
Serving as emcee, Ross Klein reminded volunteers, coaches, and others involved that the Special Olympics could not have blossomed without their help, dedication, and love of the game. “This is one big happy family,” he said.
The awards recognized athletes from multiple divisions, supported by agencies including ARC, (Accessibility Resource Center) Venture Together, BOCES, (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) Another Step, Bridges, and the Hudson Valley DDSO, (Developmental Disabilities Services Office) as well as individuals living at home with their families.
One athlete, Mike, summed up the night’s spirit: “Teamwork makes the dream work. The Special Olympics is very special to me, and it makes me happy when I play.”
Sue Jones and Nancy Logan, who continue to lead the Rockland County Special Olympics, have worked to expand the program, making each year’s celebration bigger and more inclusive. Their dedication, along with the many volunteers, keeps the mission alive—providing joy, pride, and purpose to hundreds of athletes and their families.
Charles “Bones” Jones, Jr., passed away on April 22, 2021. Known for his boundless energy and unwavering belief in the abilities of every athlete, Bones was posthumously awarded the Joseph R. Holland Lifetime Achievement Award. His wife, Sue Jones, now carries on his vision, making sure his spirit and dedication continue to inspire everyone.
While the Special Olympics now reaches more than 190 countries worldwide, local programs like Rockland’s is run entirely by volunteers, which is what sustains the movement. Klein and Sue Jones told Rockland Post that it is important to continue encouraging greater community awareness and support to ensure the program continues to grow.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Special Olympics New York Champions for Life – Find your Region – Hudson Valley Region