Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics New York State Summer Games June 5-6 in Oneida County
2026 Games To Bring 1,200 Athletes & Coaches to Utica from Across New York
Utica, NY – The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games are coming to Oneida County June 5-6 in what will be the largest statewide sporting event offered for athletes with intellectual disabilities of the year. The Games will bring together more than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across the state to compete in six sports: Basketball, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball.
Local athletes and leaders held a press conference today to announce the details of the event and ask the community to help fill more than 300 volunteer jobs.
Volunteers are asked to Register Here.
“The State Summer Games are one of the most meaningful moments of the year for our athletes, and they are excited to be celebrating with a community that values inclusion as much as we do,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly grateful to Oneida County, the city of Utica and all three of the colleges and universities that will be opening their doors wide for our athletes, coaches and families. Once we have the volunteers in place, I have a feeling this State Summer Games will be our best yet.”
Utica University will serve as the hub of State Summer Games, with Opening & Closing Ceremonies and most of the sports competitions held on site, including Powerlifting at the Nexus Center. The campus will also provide housing and meals for athletes and coaches. Additional venues are Hamilton College (swimming), City of Utica (tennis) and Mohawk Valley Community College (volleyball).
In addition to the sports competitions, State Summer Games will include: a signature Special Olympics Opening Ceremony where participants and the community come together to celebrate inclusion, a victory dance, and a Healthy Athletes event where athletes can receive free health screenings in several disciplines.
Approximately 300 volunteer jobs are available to support the Games. No experience is necessary to volunteer. There is a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers and more.
Special Olympics New York is also seeking licensed health professionals, medical students and general volunteers for its Healthy Athlete offerings, which will include free screenings in dentistry, audiology, physical therapy, optometry, general health and social/emotional health on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.
“This is exactly the kind of event that brings out the very best in Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We are honored to host the 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games and welcome more than 1,200 athletes and coaches to our community. These games are about more than competition, they are a powerful celebration of inclusion, determination and community. I encourage residents, businesses and organizations across our county to step up and volunteer, because it will take all of us to make this an unforgettable experience for these incredible athletes.”
“We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to host this remarkable event,” said Utica University President Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt. “The spirit of the Special Olympics captures everything that our University and broader community stand for. We cannot wait to welcome the athletes, coaches, and volunteers and provide them all with an experience both in and out of competition that they will long remember.”
“I could not be more proud to have our City assist in hosting the Special Olympics,” said Utica Mayor Mike Galime. “Our entire region will be brightened by this event. The anticipation is felt locally, and we wish all the athletes the best of luck in the Games.”
The 2026 State Summer Games are presented by Oneida County and additionally sponsored by Utica National Insurance, Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Gallagher, UFCW, Chobani, Bank of Utica, Elks Major Projects, Mohawk Valley Health Systems, National Grid, NBT Bank, Wellnow, BBL Hospitality, WrapKingz, and New Era Cap Foundation.
To volunteer or make a donation to support the 2026 State Summer Games, visit: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/community/summer-games/.
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