Public Schedule: Special Olympics New York State Summer Games June 5-6

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.

Utica University will serve as the hub of State Summer Games, with Opening & Closing Ceremonies and most of the sports competitions held on site. Additional venues are Adirondack Bank Center (Powerlifting), Hamilton College (swimming), City of Utica (tennis) and Mohawk Valley Community College (volleyball).

In addition to the sports competitions, State Summer Games includes a signature Special Olympics New York Opening Ceremony Friday night and a Victory Dance Saturday night, where participants and the community come together to celebrate inclusion. The Games will also include a first-of-its-kind Health Fest, where athletes – as well as prospective athletes in the community – can receive free health screenings in dentistry, audiology, physical therapy, optometry, general health and social/emotional health.  

All State Summer Games events are OPEN PRESS and free to attend. The full public schedule is as follows.

Friday, June 5 

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, Gaetano Stadium, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica 

Note: This event will be streamed live on the Special Olympics New York Facebook page.

Saturday, June 6 

Sports Competition at various venues, from approximately 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

  • Track & Field, Casamento Field, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica
  • Basketball, Hutton Dome & Clark Center, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica
  • Swimming, Hamilton College Pool, 198 College Hill Rd., Clinton
  • Tennis, City of Utica Tennis Center, 210 Memorial Parkway, Utica
  • Volleyball, Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Dr., Utica
  • Powerlifting, Adirondack Bank Center, 400 Oriskany St. West, Utica

 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Health Fest, Hutton Dome, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica 

Note: This event is open to people with intellectual disabilities interested in joining as an athlete, as well as athletes in the Utica area who are not participating in State Summer Games. 

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Victory Dance, Hutton Dome, Utica University, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica

The 2026 State Summer Games are presented by Oneida County, with support from the following partners: Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Utica National Insurance, Chobani, Mohawk Valley Health Systems, Gallagher, NBT Bank, New York Elks Major Projects, Bank of Utica, Wellnow, UFCW, National Grid, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Perinton Ambulance, First Student, BBL Hospitality, Northwell, Federation of New York Insurance Professionals, Save of the Day Foundation, First Source Federal Credit Union, Ward Arcuri, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Jersey Mike’s, Wrap Kingz, and New Era Cap Foundation.

“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. The 2026 State Summer Games is shaping up to be our best yet!”

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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