Special Olympics New York has long attracted volunteers from all
walks of life. Each year, approximately 25,000 volunteers donate
their time and talents to the programs and athletes of Special
Olympics New York.
This summer, Special Olympics New York will host the 2012 State Summer Games at the University at Buffalo and surrounding community venues for the first time in 10 years. Please help UB show the athletes a warm welcome by joining us as either a volunteer or spectator for the games!
Nearly 1,500 athletes and coaches will travel to Buffalo from around the state for the competition. The exciting Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 15 at 8 pm at UB's Alumni Arena. Athletic competition will take place Saturday, June 16 in seven Olympic-style sports: athletics (track and field), aquatics, basketball, bowling, power lifting, tennis and volleyball. All events, including the opening and closing ceremonies, and all competitions, are free and open to the general public.
We have two categories of volunteers needed for the State Games.
Social
Volunteers can be people or groups who would like to have an
experience that has an open schedule and open opportunity to be our
cheering section and hospitality greeters for our athletes.
This is a very important role, as many athletes travel far and do
not always have the opportunity for their families to attend and
cheer them on. So we encourage you to attend the competitions
and light the fire within these champions to give them that extra
boost of encouragment to go for the gold.
Service
Volunteers can be people or groups willing to commit and
dedicate their day to the athletes. These jobs can include,
but are not limited to set up, athlete escorts, stagers, timers,
and scorekeeping.
