Special Olympics New York State Fall Games Returns to Glens Falls This Weekend
Largest State Fall Games in History Kicks Off Friday with Opening Ceremonies
1,300 Athletes from Across New York to Compete in 7 Sports Saturday
Glens Falls, NY – The largest Special Olympics New York State Fall Games in history is coming to Glens Falls this weekend. The event kicks off with a spectacular Opening Ceremonies Friday night. On Saturday, 1,300 athletes and coaches from throughout New York will compete in 7 sports: bocce, cycling, golf, equestrian, soccer, softball, and cross-country running.
The event also includes graduation of the statewide Athlete Leadership Council, free health screenings for athletes and a State Games debut of the Young Athletes program, which engages children with and without disabilities ages 2-7 in inclusive sports and developmental activities.
All State Fall Games events are OPEN PRESS and will be held as follows.
Statewide Athlete Leadership Council Graduation
Friday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Queensbury Hotel (Warren Room), 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls
The Statewide Athlete Leadership Council, comprised of 15 athletes from throughout the state, gives athletes a voice in the organization’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations while also providing advanced training and life-skills development. In this video from last year’s State Fall Games, Council members share what Special Olympics means to them.
Young Athletes Experience
Friday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Morse Athletic Complex, 267 Sherman Ave., Queensbury
Approximately 75 elementary school students from the Glens Falls, Lake George and Saratoga School Districts will field trip during the school day to experience Special Olympics New York’s signature Young Athletes Program. Athletes will be invited back for Opening Ceremonies and a second day of activities on Saturday with high school youth leaders.
Health Screenings & Performance Stations
Friday, Oct. 21, 4–6:30 p.m. & Saturday, Oct. 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Glens Falls City Park, Maple Street
Athletes participating in the Games will receive free health screenings from volunteer medical professionals as well as performance tips, tools and support from sponsors to prepare them for Saturday’s competitions.
State Fall Games Opening Ceremonies
Friday, Oct. 21, 7–8 p.m.
Glens Falls City Park, Maple Street
Special Olympics New York’s signature kick-off will include the parade of athletes, remarks by President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld, Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins and athlete representatives as well as the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run and lighting of the cauldron.
State Fall Games Sports Competitions
Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bocce, Adirondack Sports Complex, 326 Upper Sherman Ave., Queensbury
Cycling, SUNY Adirondack, 640 Bay Rd., Queensbury
Golf, Brookhaven Golf Course, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porter Corners
Cross Country Running, Cole’s Woods, 600 Glen Street, Glens Falls
Soccer, Morse Athletic Complex, 267 Sherman Ave., Queensbury
Softball, Morse Athletic Complex and Adirondack Sports Complex
Equestrian, Skidmore College-Van Lennep Riding Center, 145 Daniels Rd., Saratoga Springs
State Fall Games Closing Ceremonies & Victory Dance
Saturday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Glens Falls City Park, Maple Street
Closing Ceremonies brings all participating athletes and coaches back together for a victory dance and celebration of their achievements.
The Special Olympics New York 2022 State Fall Games is sponsored by: Warren County Board of Supervisors (presenting sponsor) as well as New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), Open the Lid, Albany Medical Center, Taste of NY, Queensbury Hotel, Highmark, Equitable Advisors, Behan Communications, Marshall and Sterling, NY Able, Miller Mechanical, Glens Falls Cooperative Board, Quick Response, Lia Nissan, Hudson Headwaters Health Network ,Trampoline Advertising and Design Company, Tops, Glens Falls Produce, NBT Bank, Angio Dynamics, Glens Falls National Bank and Gallagher.
To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation, visit: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/community/2022-fall-games/.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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