More than 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout the state will be in Syracuse in one month for the 2024 State Winter Games. Area venues will host competition in four sports: Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, Snowshoe, and, for the first time at the state level – Floorball.
Special Olympics New York is looking to fill 300 volunteer jobs to support the event. Syracuse athletes teamed up with local leaders in a call for volunteers at a press conference Thursday at the Oncenter, where athletes and guests also challenged each other in an informal Floorball skills competition.
Volunteers are asked to REGISTER HERE. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to [email protected].
No sports experience is necessary. There is a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers and more.
“Our athletes will be ready to go for the gold in Syracuse, and they’re counting on the community to be ready as well,” said President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Please join us for a celebration of inclusion like no other. Volunteering with Special Olympics New York is an experience that never disappoints.”
“My teammates and I can’t wait for State Winter Games. We have been training in Floorball for the first time all winter. We will be ready to go for the gold!” said athlete Kayla McKeon, of Syracuse. “Please come out and volunteer to support our team and all of the athletes participating in State Winter Games.”
Senator John W. Mannion said, “Jen and I are thrilled to welcome Special Olympics athletes and coaches from across the state back to Syracuse for the 2024 Winter Games this February 23rd-24th. Please join us in supporting these incredible games and athletes – there’s lots of ways to get involved!”
Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II, said, “Onondaga County is proud to partner, once again, with our friends at Special Olympics New York. Hundreds of the best athletes, along with their friends and family, will compete in what will surely be the best Winter Games yet! I encourage our community to come out and support these amazing athletes and I wish all of them the best of luck.”
Area venues hosting the State Winter Games are The Oncenter (Floorball, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing), Thornden Park (Snowshoe), and Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial (Figure Skating).
All Special Olympics New York programs, including State Winter Games, are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families. The Games are also free for spectators to attend.
