The largest Special Olympics New York competition of the year is now less than a week away. More than 1,200 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout New York will be in Tompkins and Broome Counties for State Summer Games on Friday and Saturday.
“After months of training and hard work, our athletes are more than ready to go for the gold in seven sports,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are so thankful to the local community for supporting the Games for the fourth year in a row. Get ready, Ithaca—this is going to be our best Summer Games yet!”
Venues hosting the Games are the following: Ithaca College (Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Swimming, Powerlifting); Ithaca High School (Track & Field, Basketball Skills); Midway Lanes (Bowling); and Cornell University (Basketball, Tennis, and Volleyball).
The public schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Fitness Performance Stations
Friday, June 20, 5 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Ithaca College, A&E Center, 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
Athletes will visit Performance Stations to learn about how fitness and nutrition contribute to improved sport performance. Stations staffed by local sponsors and healthcare volunteers include focuses on physical activity/stretching, nutrition, hydration, and goal setting/positive mindset.
State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies
Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ithaca College, A&E Center, 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
Special Olympics New York’s signature kick-off will include the parade of athletes, remarks by President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, local officials and athlete representatives as well as the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run and lighting of the cauldron.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
State Summer Games Sports Competitions
Saturday, June 21, approximately 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Track & Field, Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
- Basketball, Cornell University (Barton Hall, Gyms 1&2), 117 Statler Drive, Ithaca
- Basketball Skills, Boynton (Ithaca) Middle School-Gym, 1601 N Cayuga St, Ithaca
- Bowling, Midway Lanes, 213 N. Jensen Rd., Vestal
- Powerlifting, Ithaca College (A&E Center), 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
- Swimming, Ithaca College (A&E Center Natatorium), 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
- Tennis, Cornell University (Reis Tennis Center), 230 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca
- Volleyball, Cornell University (Newman Arena at Bartels Hall), 554 Campus Rd, Ithaca
Healthy Athletes Screenings
Saturday, June 21, 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ithaca College, A&E Center, 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
Athletes participating in the Games will receive free health screenings from volunteer medical professionals and students. Health disciplines represented will be Healthy Hearing (Audiology), Health Promotion (General Health/Nutrition), FUNFitness (Physical Therapy), Opening Eyes (Vision), Special Smiles (Dentistry) and Strong Minds (Emotional/Behavioral Health).
Closing Ceremonies & Victory Dance
Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ithaca College, A&E Center, 953 Danbury Rd., Ithaca
Athletes, coaches and volunteers come together one final time to celebrate the achievements, show off their medals and participate in a traditional Victory Dance with music by DJ Double A before extinguishing the Flame of Hope to mark the official closing of the Games.
Volunteer or make a donation to support the Games HERE.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
