The New York Special Olympics Summer Games will return to UB June 14-16 and volunteers are needed for a variety of activities.

Some 1,600 athletes and coaches are expected to travel to Buffalo from around the state to compete in eight Olympic-style sports, including track and field, aquatics, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, power lifting, tennis and volleyball.

The opening ceremonies and several sporting competitions will be held at UB. Other competitions will be held at Flips Gymnastics & Sport, AMF Thruway Lanes, the Buffalo Niagara Court Center and other community event centers.

The opening ceremony will be held on June 14; athletic competition will take place on June 15 and the games will end with a closing ceremony on June 16.

Volunteers are needed to staff the opening ceremonies, Olympic Village and all sporting venues, as well as help with setup and breakdown at all venues and food and drink distribution. Volunteers also are needed to cheer on the athletes at the opening ceremonies and at the various competitions.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the New York Special Olympics website.

Those interested in volunteering can download the volunteer application.