Special Olympics NYS Winter Games returns to Syracuse

Volunteers needed to support the games

Nearly 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout the state will be in Syracuse Feb. 24 and 25 for the 2023 State Winter Games. Area venues will host competition in six sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding and Snowshoe.

Local officials, Special Olympics New York leaders and athletes are seeking 300 volunteers to support the event. They teamed up in a call for volunteers at a press conference recently at at the Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial, where some of the local figure skaters were practicing for the Games.

Volunteers are asked to register at specialolympics-ny.org. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org

No sports experience is necessary to volunteer. There are a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers and more.

“My teammates and I can’t wait for State Winter Games,” said athlete James Jewett, 38, of Chittenango, who will be competing in snowshoe. “The competition is always fierce at this level, and we always look forward to seeing our fellow athletes from throughout the state. Please come and volunteer. Thank you, Syracuse!”

“It’s great to be back in Syracuse, where competitive sports are a way of life and the community so clearly values the contributions of people with all abilities,” said President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Join us for State Winter Games and you’ll see why Special Olympics New York has a near 100 percent return rate of volunteers. Our athletes, coaches and fans have a magical way of bringing communities together.”

“I am thrilled that the Special Olympics