Special Olympics New York State Winter Games Returns to Rochester February 20 & 21

Rochester, NY – Special Olympics New York, local leaders, and athletes today announced that the 2026 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will return to Rochester, Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21. Leaders teamed up in a call for volunteers at the Golisano Institute, where the details of the Games were also announced.

Special Olympics NY is looking to fill nearly 100 more volunteer jobs in the next couple weeks, with areas of highest need being experienced skiers/snowboarders as well as indoor jobs at Floorball and outdoor support at Snowshoe. Finally, the organization is hoping for additional support from medical students or healthcare professionals at the athlete health screenings on Saturday night, Feb. 21.

Volunteers are asked to Register Here.

“Since hosting the very first New York State Special Olympics Games in 1970, Rochester has played a special role in the history of our organization,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “The passion and support of this community continues to be critical to the success of State Winter Games, and we are once again calling on volunteers to help create an inclusive, inspiring experience for more than 900 athletes from across the state.”

“The Golisano Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Special Olympics New York and is proud to continue that support as the State Winter Games continue to grow,” said Erica Dayton, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation. “We look forward to welcoming athletes from across New York to Rochester as they do what they do best: Go for the gold and exemplify inclusion.”

“I’m excited to welcome this event back to Monroe County for the upcoming Winter Games,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “The Special Olympics are an opportunity to not only celebrate the spirit of determination and perseverance of athletes across New York State, but it’s a chance to be an example of unity, inclusivity, and empowerment. These athletes work hard throughout the year to perfect their skills and compete at the highest level, now is the time for that hard work to pay off. Best of luck to all the athletes, and thanks to the Special Olympics of New York for all you do for those you serve.”

“This is the moment that we athletes have been waiting for to showcase our talents,” said local Gymnast Christopher Teich. “For us, it’s not just a competition, but a celebration of the hard work we put in all year. Whether we win or lose, we will show up and do our best. I invite the Rochester community today to come celebrate with us.”

The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will bring approximately 900 athletes and coaches from throughout the state to Monroe County to compete in seven sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floorball, Gymnastics, Snowboarding, and Snowshoe.

Venues hosting the Games are as follows: Riverside Convention Center (Opening & Closing Ceremonies); Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University (Floorball); Swain Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing & Snowboard); Bristol Mountain (Cross Country Skiing); Rochester Community Sports Complex (Snowshoe); Tim Horton’s Ice Complex (Figure Skating); Town of Henrietta Recreation Center (Gymnastics).

There are 350 total volunteer jobs that support the State Winter Games, with opportunities for individuals, families and groups. Jobs include set-up and breakdown, registration, scorekeepers, timers, athlete escorts, and more. No experience is necessary. All volunteers will be trained on-site.

Volunteers are asked to Register Here. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org.

Photos from the 2024 State Winter Games in Rochester, taken by photojournalism students at Rochester Institute of Technology, are available for media use at this link.

Sponsoring the 2026 Special Olympics NY State Winter Games are: Assemblywoman Sara Clark, Barilla, Chobani, CPL, Elks Major Projects, Gallagher, Golisano Foundation, M&T Bank, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, NYAble, NYSID, Passero, Rochester Sports Commission, Wegmans, and WXXI.

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