The 2026 Special Olympics New York State Winter Games are set to return to Rochester on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, bringing together approximately 900 athletes and coaches from across the state. Competitions will be held in seven 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, chosen from volunteer coaches nominated from every region, 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 Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “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 events are free and open to the public.
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, Feb. 20 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St., Rochester
The Opening Ceremonies will feature the parade of athletes, remarks by Special Olympics NY leadership and local officials, and the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run and cauldron lighting.
Sports Competitions
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding: Swain Mountain, 2275 Co Rd 24, Swain
Cross Country Skiing (Level 1): Bristol Mountain, 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
Snowshoe & Cross Country Skiing (Level 2): Rochester Community Sports Complex, 460 Oak St, Rochester
Olympic Village: Healthy Athletes Screenings
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Riverside Convention Center, Rochester
Athletes will receive free health screenings from volunteer medical professionals and students. Screenings cover multiple disciplines, including physiotherapy, dentistry, vision, emotional/behavioral health, and general health education.
Closing Ceremonies & Victory Dance
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Riverside Convention Center, Rochester
The Games wrap up with Closing Ceremonies and a victory dance, celebrating athletes and announcing gold, silver, and bronze medal winners across all seven sports.
The State Winter Games are provided at no cost to athletes, their families, or caregivers. Sponsors include 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.
Support the Games: Additional donations can be made online here.
