Joe Bellini of Katonah, New York, has coached Special Olympics athletes for nearly 30 years. A clinician for new coaches, Joe also trains coaches in basketball, floor hockey and softball. With his wife, coach Nancy Bellini, Joe will serve as head coach for the Special Olympics USA Unified floorball team in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. This will be his third time coaching in a Special Olympics World Games. Through coaching, he has earned recognition as 2022 Special Olympics New York Coach of the Year and received the 2023 Special Olympics North America Outstanding Coach Award.
Special Olympics has allowed Joe to be involved in the lives of incredible people. His coaching aligns with their floorball team’s motto, “Good Athletes, Better People,” treating everyone equally and with respect. Joe is employed as a program coordinator for North East Westchester Special Recreation, which serves individuals with disabilities. As a coach, as a professional, he aims to help others reach their maximum potential.