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

Opening Ceremonies Friday Night in City Park

900 Athletes to Go for the Gold in 7 Sports Saturday

Glens Falls, NY – Let the Games begin! The 2026 Special Olympics New York Fall Games will return to Glens Falls this weekend for a sixth and final year in Warren County. The Games will bring approximately 900 athletes and coaches to the Capital Region from across New York State to compete in 7 sports: Bocce, cross-country running, cycling, equestrian, golf, soccer, and softball.

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.

All events are open to the public and free to attend, as follows.

Young Athletes Experience
Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Morse Athletic Complex, 267 Sherman Ave., Queensbury

Local elementary school students with and without disabilities will field trip during the school day to experience Special Olympics New York’s signature Young Athletes & Junior Athletes Programs, with assistance from the Statewide Athlete Leadership Council. Participants will include Queensbury Union Free School District (10-11 am); Saratoga Springs City School District (11am-Noon); Lake George Central School District (12-1pm); Glens Falls City School District (1-2 pm). 

Statewide Athlete Leadership Council Graduation
Friday, Oct. 16, 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls, NY – Warren Room

The Statewide Athlete Leadership Council, comprised of athletes throughout the state serving a 2-year term, gives athletes a voice in the organization’s strategic planning and day-to-day operations while also providing advanced training and life-skills development. The following athlete leaders will be graduating: Ronald Ward (Chair), Alfred Ha (Vice Chair), Mindy Iaquinta (Secretary), Isabella Lyman, Zach Adams, Hailey Wilson, Jordan Sellers, and Liza Ambrosini.

Healthy Athletes Screenings
Friday, Oct. 16, 4:30 – 7:00pm
Glens Falls City Park, Maple Street 

Athletes participating in the Games will receive free health screenings from volunteer medical professionals and students prior to Opening Ceremonies. Multiple health disciplines will be represented: FUNFitness (Physical Therapy), Special Smiles (Dentistry), Strong Minds (Emotional/Behavioral Health) and Health Promotion (General Health Education).

Honored Guest Reception
Friday, Oct. 16, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Queensbury Hotel (Gold Room), 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls, NY

The Special Olympics New York Board of Directors, President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, and athlete leaders will host Fall Games supporters, partners, and distinguished guests at a casual reception prior to Opening Ceremonies.

State Fall Games Opening Ceremonies
Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Glens Falls City Park, Maple Street

Special Olympics New York’s signature kick-off will be emceed by Board Chair Ceylane Meyers-Ruff, Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy at the NYS Education Department, and Genessee Region Athlete Jacob Babcock. Opening Ceremonies will include the parade of athletes, remarks by President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, honored guests, and athlete representatives as well as the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run and lighting of the cauldron.

State Fall Games Sports Competitions
Saturday, Oct. 17, approximately 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Bocce, Adirondack Sports Complex, 326 Upper Sherman Ave., Queensbury
  • Cycling, Warren County Municipal Center, 1340 US-9, Lake George
  • 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

Fans who wish to support the Games by volunteering or donating can do so online, HERE.

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

The 2026 State 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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