Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics New York State Winter Games in Syracuse
For Immediate Release: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024
Media Contact: Casey Vattimo, 518-470-9909, cvattimo@nyso.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK STATE WINTER GAMES
IN SYRACUSE FEB. 23 & 24
Local Leaders & Athletes Announce Return of the Games
Syracuse, NY – More than 500 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout the state will be in Syracuse February 23 & 24 for the 2024 State Winter Games. Area venues will host competition in four sports: Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, Snowshoe and, for the first time at the state level – Floorball.
Special Olympics New York is looking to fill 300 volunteer jobs to support the event. Syracuse athletes teamed up with local leaders in a call for volunteers at a press conference today at the Oncenter, where athletes and guests also challenged each other in an informal Floorball skills competition.
Volunteers are asked to REGISTER HERE. Those interested in volunteering as a group can send an email to volunteers@nyso.org.
No sports experience is necessary. There are a range of jobs for individuals and groups, including set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, athlete escorts, photographers, timers, scorekeepers and more.
“Our athletes will be ready to go for the gold in Syracuse, and they’re counting on the community to be ready as well,” said President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “Please join us for a celebration of inclusion like no other. Volunteering with Special Olympics New York is an experience that never disappoints.”
“My teammates and I can’t wait for State Winter Games. We have been training in Floorball for the first time all winter. We will be ready to go for the gold!” said Athlete Kayla McKeon, of Syracuse. “Please come out and volunteer to support our team and all of the athletes participating in State Winter Games.”
Senator John W. Mannion said, “Jen and I are thrilled to welcome Special Olympics athletes and coaches from across the state back to Syracuse for the 2024 Winter Games this February 23rd-24th. Please join us in supporting these incredible games and athletes – there’s lots of ways to get involved!”
Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II, said, “XXX.”
Area venues hosting the State Winter Games are: The Oncenter (Floorball, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), Greek Peak Ski Resort (Alpine Skiing), Thornden Park (Snowshoe) and Upstate Medical Arena at Oncenter War Memorial (Figure Skating).
Sponsoring the 2024 State Winter Games are: Onondaga County, NYSID, Gallagher, National Grid, NY Able, Taste NY, Midstate Mutual Insurance Company and New Era Cap Foundation.
All Special Olympics New York programs, including State Winter Games, are provided at no cost to the athletes or their families. The Games are also free for spectators to attend. To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation to help offset the costs of the Games, visit: specialolympics-ny.org/community/2024-winter-games/.
Video from last year’s Winter Games is available HERE for broadcast use.
Special Olympics New York transitioned its Floor Hockey sport to Floorball this season. Among the benefits of Floorball is greater advancement opportunities for athletes, who gain eligibility for USA and World Games. A team from the Hudson Valley Region was recently nominated to represent Team USA in the 2025 Special Olympics World Games that will take place in Italy.
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About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 42,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 300 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 and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, 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.