Special Olympics NY State Winter Games Feb. 20–21

Rochester, NY – The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will return to Rochester, Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21. Approximately 900 athletes and coaches from throughout the state will compete in 7 sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floorball, Gymnastics, Snowboarding and Snowshoe.

The Games kick off Friday evening with Special Olympics New York’s signature Opening Ceremonies at the Riverside Convention Center, beginning at 7 p.m.. The winner of the 2026 Outstanding Coach of the Year Award, for which a volunteer coach from every region of the state was nominated, will be announced during the ceremony.

“Our athletes have been training hard all season for this weekend’s competition, and I know they’re going to bring incredible determination, grit and heart as they go for the gold,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We’re proud to return to Monroe County for the 2026 State Winter Games. This community consistently demonstrates its commitment to inclusion and to celebrating the abilities of people with intellectual differences. Thank you to our local leaders, generous sponsors, and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who make the Games possible for our athletes.”

All of the following State Winter Games events are free and open to the public:

State Winter Games Opening Ceremonies Friday, Feb. 20, 7 – 8 p.m.  Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St., Rochester:

Special Olympics New York’s signature Opening Ceremonies will include the parade of athletes, remarks by President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman, local leaders and athlete representatives as well as the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run and lighting of the cauldron. 

State Winter Games Sports Competitions Saturday, Feb. 21, approximately 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

• Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding: Swain Mountain, 2275 Co Rd 24, Swain

• Snowshoe & Cross County Skiing: Bristol Mountain Top, 5589 S Hill Rd, Canandaigua

• Figure Skating: Tim Horton’s Ice Complex, 2700 Brighton Henrietta Townline Rd, Rochester

• Floorball: Nazareth Golisano Training Center, 4245 East Ave, Rochester

• Gymnastics: Town of Henrietta Recreation Center, 605 Calkins Rd., Henrietta

Olympic Village: Healthy Athletes Screenings Saturday, Feb. 21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St., Rochester:

Athletes participating in the Games will receive free health screenings from volunteer medical professionals and students prior to Opening Ceremonies. Multiple health disciplines will be represented – FUNFitness (Physiotherapy), Special Smiles (Dentistry), Opening Eyes (Vision), Strong Minds (Emotional/Behavioral Health) and Health Promotion (General Health Education). 

Closing Ceremonies & Victory DanceSaturday, Feb. 21, 7 – 8:30 p.m.Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St., Rochester:

Celebrate with our athletes, as they come back together for Closing Ceremonies and the victory dance! Find out who won the gold, silver and bronze medals in each of our 7 State Winter Games sports.

State Winter Games are provided for athletes at no cost to them, their families or caregivers. Sponsoring the Games are the following: Assemblymember Sara Clark, Barilla, Chobani, COMIDA, CPL, Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, Elks Major Projects, First Student, Gallagher, Golisano Foundation, Jersey Mike’s, M&T Bank, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, Northwell Health, NYAble, Passero, Rochester Sports Commission, Wegmans, and WXXI.

Additional donations to support the Games can be made online, HERE