Swan Song

By Patrick Bohn, June 6, 2024
Third year of the Special Olympics Summer Games take place on the IC campus across two days.
LTC with athlete

More than 1,200 athletes will be coming to South Hill for the Summer Games.

(Photo by Charles McKenzie)

More than 1,200 athletes will be coming to South Hill for the Summer Games.

(Photo by Charles McKenzie)

 More than 1,200 athletes and coaches will come from across New York State to South Hill to take part in the Special Olympics Summer Games on June 14 and 15. This will be the third and final year of a three-year partnership between the Games and Ithaca College.

“Hosting Special Olympics New York has been one of the highlights of our campus over the last several years,” said Ithaca College president La Jerne Terry Cornish. “Working with these athletes has imbued our spirits with inspiration and gratitude, and I implore the whole community to come out to cheer and volunteer along with us. You will be so glad you did."

Volunteers are still needed to assist during the opening and closing ceremonies along with the eight sports competitions taking place on Saturday.You can register to volunteerhere.

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 14

  • Young Athletes Festival: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Outdoor Quad
  • Fitness Performance Stations: 5 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Athletic & Events Center
  • Opening Ceremonies: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Athletic & Events Center

Saturday, June 15

  • Sports Competitions, approximately 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • Track & Field, Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
    • Basketball, Cornell University (Barton Hall, Gyms 1 & 2), 117 Statler Drive, Ithaca
    • Bowling, Midway Lanes, 213 N. Jensen Rd., Vestal
    • Gymnastics, Ithaca College (Hill Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
    • Powerlifting, Ithaca College (Fitness Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
    • Swimming, Ithaca College (A&E Center Natatorium), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
    • Tennis, Cornell University (Reis Tennis Center), 230 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca
    • Volleyball, Ithaca College (Hill Center), 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca
  • Healthy Athletes Screenings: 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Athletic & Events Center

Closing Ceremonies & Victory Dance: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Athletic & Events Center

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 45,000 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.