More than 1,200 athletes and coaches from across New York State will gather in Oneida County this weekend for the 2026 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games.
The annual event, scheduled for June 5 and 6, is the largest statewide sporting event of the year for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Competitors will participate in six sports: basketball, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Utica University will serve as the primary host site for the games, with opening and closing ceremonies and most competitions taking place on campus. Additional events will be held at Hamilton College, Mohawk Valley Community College, the City of Utica Tennis Center, and the Adirondack Bank Center.
The Summer Games will begin Friday evening with an Opening Ceremony at Gaetano Stadium on the Utica University campus. Competition will take place throughout the day on Saturday at venues across the Utica area.
In addition to athletic events, organizers are introducing a new Health Fest on Saturday at Utica University’s Hutton Dome. The event will offer free health screenings in areas including dentistry, hearing, vision, physical therapy, general health, and social-emotional wellness. The screenings will be available to participating athletes and to individuals with intellectual disabilities interested in joining Special Olympics.
The weekend will conclude with a Victory Dance Saturday evening, celebrating the accomplishments of athletes and promoting inclusion within the community.
Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman said the Summer Games are among the most meaningful events of the year for athletes and praised the support provided by Oneida County, the City of Utica, and local colleges and universities hosting the event.
All Summer Games events are free and open to the public. Organizers are also seeking volunteers and donations to support the competition and athlete experience.
