Special Olympics New York Announces First-Ever State Games Bowling Championships to be Held in Erie County

Special Olympics New York and the Erie County Legislature today announced that the first-ever State Games Bowling Championships: The Final Frame will be held at AMF Airport Lanes in Cheektowaga on May 16, 2026.

The Erie County Legislature is sponsoring the event with $50,000 in funding, paving the way for the statewide event to be held in Western New York.

“Bowling is one of the most popular sports we offer for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and nowhere is it more competitive than in Western New York,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “We are so grateful to Erie County for its commitment to being the home of our first-ever State Games Bowling Championships.”

Legislator Tim Meyers, Chairman of the Erie County Legislature, said, “The Erie County Legislature is happy to support Special Olympics. The organization plays an important role in the lives of so many families, and having the bowling tournament here at Airport Lanes is certainly welcome news. We look forward to cheering on our Special Olympics athletes in May.”

Legislator John Mills, Minority Leader, of the Erie County Legislature, said, “Special Olympics does such great work. The Erie County Legislature is proud to support such a worthy organization, and I’m glad this funding will help with their bowling tournament. I wish all our Special Olympics athletes the best of luck, and I thank those involved for truly making a difference.”

Stephanie Speaker, of Depew, a Special Olympics Bowler and Disability Advocate, said, “In my 30 years competing in Special Olympics, I have never made it to a State Games. I am so excited to finally have the opportunity in my favorite sport and in my hometown. Thank you, Erie County and Special Olympics New York, for expanding opportunities for me and my fellow athletes.”

Special Olympics New York bowlers have historically competed in State Summer Games, held in June of each year alongside seasonal sports including basketball, swimming, powerlifting, and more. Hengsterman explained that by pulling bowling out of that event, the organization is able to add prestige to one of its most popular sports while also freeing up bowlers to compete in other Summer Games sports.

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