Glens Falls to Host 2026 Special Olympics New York State Fall Games October 16 & 17

350 Volunteers Needed to Support Nearly 900 Athletes

Glens Falls, NY – Special Olympics New York and the Glens Falls community today announced that the 2026 State Fall Games will be held in and around the city October 16 and 17. The Games will bring approximately 900 athletes and coaches to the Capital Region from across New York to compete in 7 sports: bocce, cross-country running, cycling, equestrian, golf, soccer and softball.

Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman and Glens Falls Mayor Diana Palmer joined local athletes at a press conference this morning, where they issued a call for volunteers to support the Games. Athletes and leaders seek to fill 350 volunteer jobs, which include event setup and breakdown, registration, scorekeepers, timers, photographers, golf caddies, and more. No experience is necessary.

Volunteer registration can be completed online, here.

State Fall Games will kick off with a signature Opening Ceremonies Friday evening in City Park. Competition will take place all day on Saturday in seven sports: Bocce, cross-country running, cycling, golf, equestrian, soccer, and softball. The event will also include area elementary school students participating in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program, Statewide Athlete Leadership Council graduation, and free health screenings for competitors.

“The Glens Falls community always shows up for Special Olympics New York athletes, and we are so incredibly grateful for their partnership, support and unwavering commitment to being a city that embraces inclusion,” said Hengsterman. “The competition is going to be fierce, and the celebration is shaping up to be our best yet. None of it is possible without our volunteers, so please sign up today. Our athletes are counting on you.”

“The athletes of Special Olympics New York can’t wait to be back in Glens Falls to go for the gold in seven sports,” said Capital Region Softball Player Matt Graham, who shared his personal story at today’s press conference. “We love it here, and we love the volunteers who have made us feel welcome and included for so many years. Thank you, Glens Falls! See you soon!”

Photos from last year’s Games in Glens Falls are available for media use here.

Area venues hosting State Fall Games are as follows: Glens Falls City Park (Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Adirondack Sports Complex (bocce), Cole’s Woods (cross-country running), Warren County Municipal Center (cycling), Skidmore College (equestrian), Brookhaven Golf Course (golf), and Morse Athletic Complex (soccer and softball).

Fall Games is supported by many local partners, including Warren County, Elks Major Projects, First Student, Gallagher, Homestead Funding Group, Hudson Headwaters, Mother Cabrini, New Era Cap Foundation, Glens Falls Foundation, Bone & Joint, Northwell, WrapKingz, The Queensbury Hotel, Burch Bottle and Casella.

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