Special Olympics NY State Winter Games Returns to Rochester February 21-22, 2025

Athletes & Local Leaders Seek 350 Volunteers to Support the Games

Rochester, NY – Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, local leaders and athletes today announced that the 2025 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will return to Rochester, Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22. Leaders teamed up in a call for volunteers at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University, where the details of the Games were also announced.

“Returning to Rochester for our State Winter Games feels like coming home for so many in our community,” said Hengsterman, a Rochester native. “The community is always so good to us; we have every confidence that volunteers will turn out to ensure the best Games yet for the 900 Special Olympics NY athletes and coaches who will be going for the gold.”

The 2025 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will bring approximately 900 athletes and coaches from throughout the state to Monroe County to compete in 7 sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floorball, Gymnastics, Snowboarding and Snowshoe.

Venues hosting the Games are: Riverside Convention Center (Opening & Closing Ceremonies); Golisano Training Center at Nazareth University (Floorball); Swain Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing & Snowboard); Bristol Mountain (Cross Country Skiing); Rochester Community Sports Complex (Snowshoe); Tim Horton’s Ice Complex (Figure Skating); Town of Henrietta Recreation Department (Gymnastics).

350 volunteer jobs are available to support the games, with opportunities for individuals, families and groups. Jobs include set-up and breakdown, registration, scorekeepers, timers, athlete escorts and more. No experience is necessary. All volunteers will be trained on site.

Volunteers are asked to REGISTER HERE. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org.

“The New York State Special Olympics Winter Games unite some of the state’s most inspiring athletes, proving to the world that determination and perseverance know no limits,” said Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello. “Monroe County is honored to host this year’s Special Olympics New York State Winter Games and celebrate these remarkable competitors. This event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers, and I encourage everyone in our community to give a few hours of their time to help create an unforgettable experience for these athletes and ensure the success of this extraordinary event.”

“I am overjoyed that the Special Olympics New York Winter Games are returning to Rochester and Monroe County,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We strive to create productive partnerships wherever we can, and the Special Olympics builds many important bridges that encourage involvement and volunteerism while supporting our local organizations and businesses. I welcome all our athletes and their families to Rochester and wish them the best of luck and a fulfilling Winter Games.”

“Nazareth University has a special connection with Special Olympics New York, including ongoing use of Golisano Training Center for events like the floorball competition at the 2025 Winter Games,” said Elizabeth Paul, president of Nazareth University. “Nazareth students have long worked closely with Special Olympics athletes, benefitting the athletes’ training and creating opportunities for Nazareth students majoring in nursing, public health, physical therapy, speech therapy, social work, art therapy, music therapy, and occupational therapy — as well as pre‐med and pre‐dental minors and those pursuing Nazareth’s Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism. We anticipate that many of our students will answer Special Olympics’ call for volunteers.”

Sponsoring the 2025 Special Olympics NY State Winter Games are: Chobani, Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, Gallagher, Golisano Foundation, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, M&T Bank, Monroe County, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, NY Able, NYSID, Rochester Sports Commission / Visit Rochester, Tim Horton’s, Wegmans, West Herr, Woods Oviatt & Gilman, and WXXI.

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