Zentz, the 2024 Dunkirk Class President, spoke that day about how being part of Special Olympics “never gets old.” Zentz said that upon graduation, he wanted to carry on what he took from Dunkirk’s involvement with the Unified sports program and Special Olympics to his new school, SUNY Fredonia.

Now a freshman at Fredonia State and a member of the Blue Devils baseball team, Zentz is making his vision come true.

Zentz and fellow student athlete Hannah Retzer have founded a Special Olympics Club at Fredonia State. The Club’s inaugural kickoff event will be Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Dods Hall.

The event will feature events designed for participants of all abilities, including outdoor soccer, bocce ball, and basketball, as well as a nature walk/hike, Zumba and dancing, interactive musical therapy sessions, and activities with plants. Campus Police will also be on hand as guest speakers for safety demonstrations, and guests will also be treated to food provided by Blasdell Pizza.

Zentz celebrates with Mekiah Sedlacek and members of the Dunkirk Unified Bowling Team during a competition last year.

Retzer, a sophomore at SUNY Fredonia and member of the women’s soccer team, acts as the Special Olympics Club President. Retzer said her goal for the club is “to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone with and without disabilities can develop physical fitness, build friendships, and gain confidence through participation in sports and community.”

It makes sense why Retzer and Zentz would partner in the endeavor, as Zentz was a leader at Dunkirk in fostering relationships with his classmates at Dunkirk through the Unified sports program. He participated in various Unified sports and Special Olympics events at Dunkirk, including the Torch Run at each of the last two Special Olympics events at SUNY Fredonia.

As Vice President and Treasurer of the Special Olympics Club at SUNY Fredonia, Zentz said he hopes the club will build “relationships that will last a lifetime.” Many of Zentz’s former classmates and teammates have remained in contact over the past year and look forward to being part of the upcoming event.

Building upon the relationships established through Unified sports, the mission of the Special Olympics Club at SUNY Fredonia is to invite high school special education classes to campus to participate in a variety of events to provide “a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment for all participants.”

Throughout the year, the club will host various events including sports activities, social gatherings, and creative workshops that will enable high school students with special needs to interact with college students to form meaningful relationships.

“Our goal is to break down barriers, build confidence, and show these students that they are valued members of our community,” Zentz said.

The Special Olympics Club at SUNY Fredonia holds monthly meetings on campus to discuss upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. Approximately 50 SUNY Fredonia students are involved with the club in some capacity. The club is seeking monetary donations to cover the cost of events, including transportation, supplies, refreshments, and other expenses associated with hosting events.

With any questions or to donate, contact Zentz via email at zacharyzentz13@gmail.com. Donations can be made out to SA Comptroller for Special Olympics Club, and can be sent to Fredonia State University c/o Special Olympics Club, 280 Central Avenue S226A Williams Center, Fredonia, NY 14063.