Over 1,500 athletes and coaches from across the state to participate
What: Special Olympics New York Summer Games will take place June 15-16 in various venues throughout the Capital Region. Over 1,500 athletes and coaches will travel to Siena College from across the state to participate in the annual competition. All events are free and open to the media and the public.
The weekend will kick-off with a VIP Reception to thank the Honorary Co-Chairs, Siena President and Albany County Executive, as well as the games organizing committee and major sponsors. Also in attendance this year will be the New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, recently announced incoming President & CEO of Special Olympics New York, Stacey Hengsterman, Siena Men’s Basketball Coach, Jamion Christian and his family, along with other government officials and Special Olympics New York athletes.
Opening Ceremonies will feature the customary parade of athletes, a flyover by New York State Police, speakers and members of the law enforcement community carrying the Flame of Hope. The Flame of Hope will light the official cauldron and declare the 2018 Summer Games open. The Opening Ceremonies will be emceed by Marisa Jacques, Sports Director at Spectrum News Albany.
The Summer Games is one of two annual state level competitions and over 5,000 statewide competitive experiences held each year throughout New York. Athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks in their hometowns then compete locally and regionally to qualify for the State Games.
When/Where:
VIP Reception
Friday, June 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Siena College, Sarazen Student Union (Maloney Great Room)
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, June 15, 8:00 p.m.
Siena College Athletic Field
Athletic Competition
Saturday, June 16, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Various venues
Full schedule below
Closing Ceremonies and Victory Dance
Saturday, June 16, 8:00 p.m.
Siena College, Callanan Field House
Athletic Competition Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Athletics
Hudson Valley Community College
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tennis
Hudson Valley Community College
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Powerlifting
Siena College, Marcelle Athletic Complex
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Basketball
Siena College, Marcelle Athletic Complex
9:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Aquatics
Shaker High School
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Gymnastics
World Class Gymnastics Center
9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Volleyball
Schenectady High School
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bowling
Boulevard Bowl
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Healthy Athletes
Lot W, Siena College
Event and volunteer information is available at www.specialolympicsnewyork.org.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training and competition in 23 Olympic-style sports to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athletes, their families or caregivers. Special Olympics New York is the largest Special Olympics program in North America and has grown to include 66,835 athletes and unified partners and is arguably the best in both quality and quantity in the world. There are 5,750 competitions held in New York State each year.