Special Olympics New York will hold the 2022 State Fall Games in and around Glens Falls on Oct. 21 and 22.
Organizers said the games will bring 1,300 athletes and coaches to the Capital Region—nearly three times as many participants as last year’s event.
The games will kick off with a signature Special Olympics New York Opening Ceremony on Friday night, Oct. 21, in City Park. Competition will take place all day Saturday, Oct. 22, in seven sports: bocce, cross-country running, cycling, golf, equestrian, soccer and softball.
Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman and Glens Fall Mayor Bill Collins last month put out a call for volunteers to support the games. The jobs include event setup and breakdown, registration, scorekeepers, timers, photographers, golf caddies, and more. No experience is necessary.
Volunteer registration can be completed online at www.specialolympics-ny.org/competition/volunteeratfallgames.
“State Games is the competition that our athletes prepare for all year,” said Hengsterman. “We are so grateful to the Glens Fall community for welcoming us back as we celebrate the achievements of our athletes and the unwavering support of people with intellectual disabilities that Glens Falls exemplifies so well.”
“The return of State Games to Glens Falls will be a highlight of my time as mayor,” said Collins. “I have known these athletes for many years and I assure the Glens Falls community that the Games will be nothing short of spectacular. I encourage everyone to come out and volunteer; there are jobs for individuals, families, and groups.”
“I can’t wait to go for the gold at State Fall Games in my hometown of Glens Falls,” said Special Olympics New York softball player Bryce Reynolds. “I’m excited to have my friends from all over the state here to compete and have fun.”
Area venues hosting State Fall Games are: Glens Falls City Park (opening and closing ceremonies), Adirondack Sports Complex (bocce), Cole’s Woods (cross-country running), SUNY Adirondack (cycling), Skidmore College (equestrian), Brookhaven Golf Course (golf), and Morse Athletic Complex (soccer and softball).
Sponsors of the 2022 State Fall Games include: Warren County Board of Supervisors, New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID), Open the Lid, Albany Medical Center, Taste of NY, Queensbury Hotel, Harris Beach, Highmark, Arrow Financial, Equitable Advisors, Behan Communications, Marshall and Sterling, NY Able, Miller Mechanical, Glens Falls Cooperative Board, and Quick Response.
To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation, visit www.specialolympics-ny.org/community/2022-fall-games/.
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 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.