The Dutchess Figure Skating Club (DFSC) celebrates figure skater Ryan Chin, who will represent Team USA at the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy. Chin, a member of the club training at the McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie, New York, has dedicated the past 11 years of his life to honing his craft and inspiring those who share the ice with him.
“It’s a dream come true to represent the USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin,” said Wappingers Falls, New York, resident, 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. I can’t wait to meet other athletes from around the world, share this amazing experience with them, and try real Italian food. I’m ready to bring home a gold medal win for Team USA.”
Chin, 23, began skating at age 12 in a therapeutic ice skating program offered by the McCann Ice Arena rink. He quickly excelled through figure skating levels and skills. He began competing in Special Olympics New York figure skating competitions at age 15, earning seven gold medals in seven competition seasons. With determination, devotion and support from his coaches, Heather O’Connor, Deirdre Bonanno, Sergei Sakhnovskiy, and fellow skaters, Chin has been able to do the impossible.
The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It offers opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy, fostering a spirit of inclusion, friendship and community. Chin’s qualification for the World Games reflects his tenacity and passion for figure skating and embodies the mission of the Special Olympics.
“Ryan’s drive and love for figure skating has been an inspiration to everyone at the McCann Ice Arena,” said 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.”
The Special Olympics World Games is the largest inclusive sporting event across the globe, showcasing the talents of over 1,500 athletes with disabilities from more than 190 countries. The 2025 Games will take place in Turin, Italy, from March 8 through March 16, bringing together thousands of athletes, coaches and fans to celebrate excellence in sports and the power of inclusion.
To help Chin achieve this monumental goal, the DFSC asks the community to share and donate to Chin’s JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/page/ryanchin?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fryanchin&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share) which will cover the costs of travel for him, his parents and a coach, and entry fees into the figure skating competition in March. In addition, the community is invited to follow Chin’s exciting journey through the Dutchess Figure Skating Club’s Instagram account: @dutchessfsc.
Chin graduated from Beacon High School with his High School Equivalency Diploma in 2022.
For more information on the Special Olympics, the Special Olympics World Games, and how to support other athletes, visit www.specialolympics.org. To register yourself or a child for the McCann Ice Area’s year-round learn-to-skate, figure skating and hockey programs, visit mccannicearena.org.
