Meet the Westchester Team Competing in the Special Olympics World Games
North East Westchester Special Recreation’s (NEWSR) athletic teams are proving that they’re ones to watch this year in sports, specifically their floorball team. In a press release, NEWSR announced that their floorball team will represent the United States at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy, in March 2025. The team is made up of some incredible athletes, and we have everything you need to know to get ready to cheer them on this March.
About North East Westchester Special Recreation
North East Westchester Special Recreation (NEWSR) is a non-profit organization in Westchester County, New York. NEWSR provides inclusive recreational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. NEWSR’s goal is to improve physical fitness, social connections, and personal growth. They help participants reach their full potential.
The organization offers community-based therapy programs that support children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. These programs aim to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. NEWSR creates opportunities for building confidence and fostering meaningful relationships.
Meet the Team
Nancy Bellini
Coach | Katonah
Nancy Bellini, a devoted coach from Katonah, New York, has coached Special Olympics for 40 years in sports like basketball, floorball, and volleyball. Her experience includes coaching at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano and the World Games in Shanghai. As the program director and a certified therapeutic recreation specialist for North East Westchester Special Recreation, she supports individuals with disabilities. In 2025, she will coach the Unified floorball team for Special Olympics USA at the World Winter Games in Turin alongside her husband, head coach Joe Bellini.
Joe Bellini
Head Coach | Katonah
Joe Bellini, a dedicated coach from Katonah, has spent nearly 30 years training Special Olympics athletes and supporting new coaches in sports like basketball and floor hockey. He and his wife, Nancy, will lead the Special Olympics USA Unified floorball team at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, marking his third coaching appearance at such an event. Joe has received multiple accolades, including the 2022 Special Olympics New York Coach of the Year and the 2023 Outstanding Coach Award.
Ellen Pikula
Coach | Yorktown Heights
Ellen Pikula, a dedicated advocate for the Special Olympics from Yorktown Heights, has devoted 36 years to the movement, embodying selflessness and community spirit. Currently serving as the mid-state regional director for Special Olympics New York, she has a rich history of involvement as a coach, Unified partner, and staff member. Ellen returns to the Special Olympics World Games to coach floorball for Special Olympics USA, following her previous experience as an athletics coach in 1995 and her representation in three USA Games. Additionally, she officiates various sports at the high school and collegiate levels.
Mike Bub
Athlete | Shrub Oak
Mike Bub, an athlete from Shrub Oak, has spent 15 years training in sports, including bowling, floorball, floor hockey, and swimming with Special Olympics. He won a gold medal at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games as part of his swimming relay team and has been selected to represent Special Olympics USA in floorball at the upcoming World Winter Games in Turin 2025. As a member of the Regional Athlete Leadership Council, Mike serves as a leader and advocate for acceptance.
Sandy Crecco
Unified Partner | Hopewell Junction
Sandy Crecco, a sergeant with the Carmel Police Department in Hopewell Junction, has a long history of volunteering with Special Olympics, inspired by the teamwork and individual effort seen in sports. He coordinates volunteer opportunities for fellow officers in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and finds motivation in witnessing athletes achieve their goals. This will be his first appearance in the Special Olympics.
Jessie Espinet
Unified Partner | White Plains
Jessie Espinet, representing White Plains, has been involved with Special Olympics for seven years now and will now represent Special Olympics USA as a Unified partner in floorball. A former three-sport and college athlete, Jessie values the confidence and social skills gained through sports and aims to provide similar experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and senior recreation therapist at North East Westchester Special Recreation, she draws inspiration from her mother, a breast cancer survivor, and admires the resilience of the athletes she works with, who motivate her to excel in her endeavors.
Samantha Frederick
Athlete | Yorktown Heights
Samantha Frederick, a resident of Yorktown Heights, has been actively involved in the Special Olympics for eight years, competing in sports such as basketball, bowling, floorball, floor hockey, and softball. Frederick is set to represent Special Olympics USA in floorball at the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin 2025. In addition to her athletic achievements, she is proud of graduating high school and earning her driver’s license. She is currently working as an infant assistant teacher at Country Children’s Center, a daycare for young children.
Peter Gianatiempo
Unified Partner | Westchester
Peter Gianatiempo promotes inclusivity and teamwork as a Unified partner with Special Olympics USA in floorball. He has a hockey background and experience as a goalie, which helped him transition naturally to floorball. He works with the team’s goalie, Mike Bub, to improve their skills. As a recreation specialist with The Arc Westchester, Peter trains with the Special Olympics team he connected with during his internship.
Leigh Howard
Unified Partner | Malta
Leigh Howard, Director of Unified Programs for Special Olympics New York, is dedicated to empowering athletes through sport and will represent Special Olympics USA in floorball at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. Her work has strengthened her belief in the unifying power of sports and connected her with a vibrant community of athletes and coaches. Outside of her commitment to inclusivity, Leigh enjoys skiing and hiking, including hiking Mount Kilimanjaro and completing seven marathons.
Louis Jost
Athlete | Hawthorne, New York
Louis Jost, from Hawthorne, is a committed athlete who has supported Special Olympics since he was young. He competes in sports like basketball, bowling, floorball, and softball. Jost graduated magna cum laude and set a record in shot put. Louis also takes part in a life skills program at The College of Saint Rose. He values his family, especially his twin brother, Angelo, who volunteers with Special Olympics.
Will Smith
Athlete | Brewster
Will Smith from Brewster has been involved with the organization for 26 years and now works as a program and development specialist. An accomplished athlete, he has excelled in various sports, including basketball, floorball, and swimming, and will proudly represent Special Olympics USA in floorball at his third World Games. He has served as chairperson of the Hudson Valley Region Athlete Leadership Council and as an athlete representative on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Board of Directors.
Andrew Stawicki
Athlete | White Plains
Andrew Stawicki, a resident of White Plains, began his journey with Special Olympics at the age of 8 and has engaged in a variety of sports, including basketball, floorball, floor hockey, softball, and volleyball. Through his participation, he has forged lifelong friendships and is thrilled to compete for the third time with Special Olympics USA at the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin 2025. Currently working as a mail messenger at White Plains City Hall, Andrew maintains a daily exercise regimen in preparation for the event. He is especially excited to visit Italy, the homeland of his family.
Ben Stofsky
Athlete | Poughkeepsie
Ben Stofsky, from Poughkeepsie, is an inspiring Special Olympics athlete who has been competing since childhood in sports like basketball, floor hockey, and softball. He will represent Special Olympics USA in floorball at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin. Through sports, Ben works at a bird sanctuary, caring for animals and helping his community. Influenced by his mother’s battle with cancer, he shows resilience and empathy.
In a press release, Nancy Bellini, Program Director and team coach, shared, “What an honor this is for our team & coaches. I could not be more proud of this amazing team. They are so dedicated and have been working so hard to be the best they can be. We are thrilled to be able to represent the USA at the World Games. Italy, here we come!”
We can’t wait to cheer our community on this March!
