Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics New York State Winter Games in Syracuse, Feb. 25 – 26, 2022
Local Leaders and Athletes Invite the Community to Get in on the Games Action
Syracuse, NY – Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, State Senator John W. Mannion, Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II and local Special Olympics athletes today announced that Syracuse will host the 2022 State Winter Games Feb. 25 – 26 at sporting venues throughout the area.
Approximately 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout New York will compete in 6 sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding and Snowshoe.
At Thursday’s press conference, athletes and local leaders asked the community for 400 volunteers in support of the Games. Volunteers must be vaccinated and registered in advance. No sports experience is necessary. To volunteer, Register Here and select “2022 State Winter Games.”
Volunteer jobs include set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, safety assurance, awards, athlete escorts, photography, timers, scorekeepers and other specific venue needs.
“This is the moment hundreds of Special Olympics New York athletes have been waiting for,” said Hengsterman. “Athletes and coaches from throughout the state have been training hard and counting down the days until the Winter Games kick-off in Syracuse. We are going to need the community’s help to make it spectacular. There are many different volunteer jobs for those willing to participate, including individual opportunities as well as things to do as a family or team. Please join us!”
“Hosting the Winter Games in Syracuse is a moment to celebrate New York’s incredible Special Olympics athletes while showcasing Central New York’s tradition of athletic excellence, inclusion, and service,” said Senator Mannion (SD-50). “I know our partners in the community will step up to the plate to make these Games the best ever. Please connect with Special Olympics New York or my office to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways you can support our athletes and the games.”
“We are proud to host the Special Olympics New York Winter Games in Onondaga County,” said County Executive McMahon. “Inclusivity is at the heart of who we are as a community and welcoming the visiting athletes is not only a privilege but an honor. The perseverance and courageous spirit of those competing in the Winter Games inspire and bring joy to us all. I strongly encourage everyone to consider volunteering for this exciting weekend of events.”
“I can’t wait for Winter Games. I’ll be bringing my A game and I know my fellow athletes will be too,” said Snowshoer Lindsay Mitchell, 33, of Chittenango. “Thank you to all of the volunteers who come out and cheer us on and make it possible for us to have our Winter Games in Syracuse.”
“Alpine is my favorite sport and Winter Games is always the best competition because athletes have come from all over the state,” said Alpine Skiier Ryan Goldacker, 36, of Cazenovia. “I’m counting down the days. I can’t wait to see you all there!”
To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation, visit: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/community/2022-winter-games/.
Area venues hosting Special Olympics New York Winter Games are: The OnCenter (Floor Hockey, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Highland Forest (Cross Country Skiing), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding), Thornden Park (Snowshoe) and War Memorial (Figure Skating).
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 51,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
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