Local Leaders and Athletes Invite the Community to Get in on the Games Action
Ithaca, NY – Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, Tompkins County Legislature Chair Shawna Black, Ithaca College President La Jerne Terry Cornish and local Special Olympics athletes today announced that Ithaca will host the 2022 State Summer Games at sporting venues throughout the area on June 24-25.
Approximately 1,150 Special Olympics New York athletes and coaches from throughout New York will compete in 8 sports: basketball, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
At a recent press conference at Ithaca College, local leaders and athletes also announced a need to fill approximately 800 volunteer jobs to support the Games. Volunteers must be vaccinated and registered in advance. No sports experience is necessary. To volunteer, Register Here and select “2022 State Summer Games.”
Volunteer jobs include set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, coordinating awards, athlete escorts, photography, timers, scorekeepers and other specific venue needs.
“State Summer Games is our largest statewide competition of the year,” said Hengsterman. “Athletes and coaches from throughout New York have been training and they’ll be ready to go for the gold. All that is left to make this the best Summer Games yet for our athletes are volunteers from the Ithaca community. There are many different jobs for those willing to participate, including individual opportunities as well as things to do as a family or team. Please join us and cheer on our deserving champions!”
“We are so proud to be hosting these games in Tompkins County,” said Black. “This is a great way to highlight and celebrate the achievements of athletes from across New York State. Thank you to the venues and community partners who are participating in hosting this year’s State Summer Games, now all we need is the volunteer power to show our Tompkins County pride – I encourage everyone who is free to sign up to volunteer. I can’t wait to see the champions who come out of these games.”
“Our Ithaca College community is so pleased to have the opportunity to host this prestigious event, and we are thrilled that the Summer Games will be making their home right here at IC for the next three years,” said Cornish. “Our commitment to serving the public good and enriching the experiences of others resides at the very core of who we are as an institution. We are honored to be able to offer our state-of-the-art competition facilities, residence halls, and additional logistical and volunteer support to create a truly memorable experience for the hundreds of impassioned athletes from all over New York State set to participate in the 2022 Summer Games next month.”
Athlete Robbie Gale, 35, of Ithaca, will compete in bowling at State Summer Games. He said, “I am so excited to welcome all the athletes to my hometown. I wish them all the best of luck as they go for the gold in their competitions.”
Athlete Anne Norby, 30, of Dryden, will compete in swimming at State Summer Games as well as Special Olympics USA Games in June. She said, “I can’t wait to compete at Summer Games, see all my friends from across the state and meet some new ones too. Come out and volunteer, we need all of you!”
To support the Games either by volunteering or making a donation, visit: specialolympics-ny.org/community/2022-summer-games/.
Area venues hosting Special Olympics New York Summer Games are: Ithaca College (Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Swimming, Basketball, Gymnastics, Tennis, Volleyball); Ithaca High School (Track & Field, Powerlifting); and Midway Lanes (Bowling).
About Special Olympics New York-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.
