Posted on behalf of Special Olympics New York
The largest statewide Special Olympics New York competition of the year is coming to Ithaca this weekend. More than 800 athletes and coaches from throughout New York will be in the area for State Summer Games, with competition in 7 sports: Basketball, Bowling, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis and Track & Field.
The public schedule for State Summer Games has changed slightly, due to outdoor air quality in the area. Opening Ceremonies and Tennis have been moved indoors. Track & Field may also be moved indoors if air quality does not improve.
“Special Olympics New York is proud to have found a way to offer all of its State Summer Games opportunities for athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans despite air quality concerns,” said President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are fortunate and so grateful to have partners in the area accommodating some last-minute changes that will ensure a safe, competitive and fun experience for our athletes. Thank you, Ithaca!”
On Friday, athletes and coaches will travel to Ithaca from throughout the state, coming together for a signature Opening Ceremonies at Ithaca College hosted by Hengsterman and Special Olympics New York Board Chair Ceylane Meyers-Ruff as well as local athletes and dignitaries. *This event has been moved indoors and will be held as follows:
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, June 9
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Ithaca College (A&E Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
Opening Ceremonies will also be broadcast live on the Special Olympics New York Facebook page.
Sports competitions, health screenings, awards and celebrations will take place all day Saturday as follows:
Game Day
Saturday, June 10
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Track & Field
Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
*This event will be moved indoors at Ithaca College, if necessary.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Basketball & Swimming
Ithaca College (A&E Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Gymnastics
Ithaca College (Hill Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Powerlifting
Ithaca College (Fitness Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
9:45 – 3:00 p.m. – Tennis
Reis Center at Cornell University, 230 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca
*This event has been moved indoors.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Bowling
Midway Lanes, 213 N. Jensen Rd., Vestal
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Athlete Health Screenings
Ithaca College (Campus Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. – Closing Ceremonies and Dance Party
Ithaca College (Campus Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
State Summer Games sponsors are: Tompkins County (Presenting Sponsor), McGuire Foundation (Opening & Closing Ceremonies), Coughlin & Gerhart (Night of Champions), Presence Developmental, Cayuga Health, Challenge Workforce Solutions, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Christopher George Real Estate, Economy Paving, Guthrie, Harris Beach, New York Able, NYSID, Open the Lid, and Tompkins Financial.
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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 200 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.