Glens Falls to Host Special Olympics New York’s 2011/2012 Fall Games

Senator Betty Little, Post-Star Publisher Rick Emanuel are Honorary Chairs of Event

All events free and open to the public

     Neal J. Johnson, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, has announced that its Board of Directors has awarded the bid to host the 2011 and 2012 State Fall Games to the Glens Falls community.

     Fall Games is one of three annual state games and more than 3,500 total competitions held each year throughout New York. Nearly 800 athletes and coaches will be joining us from around the state. Five hundred volunteers from surrounding communities will be needed to support the event.  New York State Senator Betty Little and Post Star Publisher Rick Emanuel will be the Honorary Chairs of the event.

     Volunteers are needed to fill key roles in support of the Fall Games competitions:

     Staff the following sports venues: Bocce, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Equestrian, Golf, Softball Team, and Soccer Team.

     Set up/break down sports venues, and distribute lunch, and water to athletes and coaches. Support our Opening Ceremonies.

     Be Fans in the Stands at Opening Ceremonies and at sports venues, cheering the athletes on to victory.

     Volunteer assignments will be given out up to October 7th; after that date all walk in volunteers are welcome. For more information and to register, please download the volunteer registration form from the website at www.specialolympicsny.org or email Stacy Gioeli at sgioeli@nyso.org .  Volunteers can be individuals or groups.

     Athletic competition takes place Saturday, October 22nd in 7 Olympic-style sports: 

     -- Bocce

     -- Cross Country Running

     -- Cycling

     -- Equestrian

     -- Golf Team & Skills

     -- Soccer Team

     -- Softball Team

     Special Olympics New York, which does not charge athletes to participate, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for 51,809 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

     For further information about sponsorship opportunities contact Renee Snyder at 518-388-0790 ext. 103 or 518-203-8348 (cell).

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