Our 2011 census is now complete, and we are announcing that there are 55,698 individuals with intellectual disabilities that participate in programs provided by Special Olympics New York. This is accomplished with a network of over 31,486 dedicated volunteers including 4,366 certified coaches who were able to offer athletes 4,792 competitive experiences.

1,500 athletes to compete in Buffalo – All events free and open to the public

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Neal J. Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York, announced the 2012 State Summer Games will be held at the University at Buffalo and surrounding community venues, for the first time in 10 years. The University at Buffalo has also won the bid for the 2013 Summer Games to mark the fifth time in 25 years that the games will be hosted in Western New York. The Summer Games were last held in Buffalo from 2001 to 2002 and before that from 1987 to 1988.

The Summer Games are the largest of three annual state games with more than 4,000 competitive experiences held each year throughout New York. Nearly 1,500 athletes and coaches will travel to Buffalo from around the state for the competition. Athletes must qualify at a local level to compete in the Summer Games. [ article continued ]

[ visit event page for volunteer information ]Downlad the 2012 SONY Summer Volunteer Application.pdf here

[ Click to learn more about Sponsoring an Athlete at State Games ]