ALBANY — Special Olympics New York is seeking community members to volunteer during the upcoming 2018 State Summer Games, hosted by Siena College from June 15 to . The Summer Games are the largest of two annual state games and 5,365 competitive experiences held each year throughout New York. All events are free and open to the public. During the State Summer Games, more than 1,500 athletes and coaches from across the state will travel to the Capital Region. Opening ceremonies will be held on June 15 at 8 p.m. at Siena College and will feature the Parade of Athletes, entertainment, and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. The competitions will begin on June 16 with athletes participating in eight Olympic-style sports. Volunteers are needed throughout the three-day event. Service opportunities include Opening Ceremonies and the following athletic competitions: Athletics (track & field), aquatics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, tennis, and volleyball. Social opportunities include cheering the athletes onto victory as ‘FANS in the Stands.’ Time commitments vary from half-day to full-day opportunities.
“Volunteers are such an essential part of the state Summer Games, and without whom the event would not be possible. The games provide our athletes with a chance to demonstrate their incredible skills, and showcase their courage and joy,” said Shelly Nangle, interim president and CEO of Special Olympics New York said. “We encourage the community to join us in making these games possible and being part of the dream for our athletes.”
For more information and to register to volunteer at the state Summer Games, please visit specialolympicsny.org.
