Athletes came out to compete in the 40th Annual Broome Tioga Special Olympics Saturday. More than six hundred competitors represented twenty two teams. The athletes performed in a variety of track and field events, including shot put, and the 50, 100, and 200 meter dash. Although excited to show off their skills the day was bittersweet for athletes and coaches. As they remembered Gae Crosby, who passed away Friday. She was secretary and training director for the event.
Gae began working for IBM Owego in 1975, and retired in 1996. She became active with the Special Olympics in the late 80’s when she coached with the Apalachin A-Team, held multiple offices with the Broome Tioga Area Committee, and was honored at the state level on 4 different occasions. She also volunteered for the Tioga County Historical Society where she introduced and chaired “Oh Tanenbaum”, the annual holiday showcase attraction and major fundraiser for the group.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Coleman and Daniels in Vestal. Calling hours are 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, on Temple Street, Owego. Gae passed away on Friday after a brief pulmonary illness. She was 64.
